Fantasy rulebook

DESIGN COVER ART

Nikola Vrtis Chris Dien

BASED ON MATERIAL BY & INTERIOR ILLUSTRATIONS

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO Thomas M. Baxa (p. 109), Talon Dunning (p. 48, 101,
Greg Farshtey, Douglas Kaufman, Fred Jandt, Peter 123), Tim Eldred (p. 110), Fil Kerney (p. 50), Jaime
Schweighofer, Bill Slavicsek, Bill Smith, Ed Stark, Lombardo & Ron Hill (pp. 7, 40, 46, 52), John Paul
George R. Strayton, Teeuwynn Woodruff, Lona (p. 55), Christopher Martinez (pp. 18, 20, 26,
and other D6 System, MasterBook, 29, 31, 43, 107), Aaron Nakahara (p. 3, 33, 62, 68,
Shatterzone, and Torg contributors 77, 79), Allen Nunis (p. 9, 71), Daniel Schenström
(pp. 25, 39, 65, 74, 81, 83, 119, 121, 123), Lee Smith
EDITOR (pp. 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,
Steven Marsh 137), Karl Waller (p. 5), Chris Watkins (p. 117), Tyson
Wintibaugh (pp. 34, 66, 80, 97, 124), Adobe Illustrator
COVER GRAPHIC DESIGN Creative Suite Premium (acorns, flowers, feathers,
Eric Gibson leaves, mushrooms, nuts, shells)

INTERIOR GRAPHIC DESIGN D6 FANTASY PLAYTEST TEAM

Nikola Vrtis Aaron Deskins, Gar Francis, Ron Fricke,
Max Hattuer, François Letarte (with Olivier Comeau,
PUBLISHER Ugo Ducharme), Kevin MacGregor (with Shari
Eric Gibson MacGregor, Greg Nagler, Chuck Walle), Scott Palter,
German E. Vargas Ramos (with Gilbert López Arroyo,
SPECIAL THANKS TO Eddie Cepeda, Roberto Ponce, Gerardo Rachumi),
Gar Francis (for additional sailing ship information); Tom Zunder, the D6-WEG mailing list
Rachel Gibson; Steve Long; Pyramid magazine (www. (d6-weg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com),
sjgames.com/pyramid) Spell Measures benchmark the Torg mailing list (torg-request@roadkill.com)
respondents (Michael Bloss, Frederick Brackin, … and their groups, friends, and accomplices. Thank
Joe Chaparro, Anthony Jackson, Dustin Tranberg, you for the use of your imaginations and your time.
Roger Burton West)

For free support, information about books for this game system and
other WEG systems, links to fan sites, details on licensing this system,
and much more, visit our Web site at www.westendgames.com!
WEG 51013 • Version 1.3 • ISBN 1-932867-02-3 • First Printing July 2004 • Last Change June 15, 2006

WEST END GAMES • www.westendgames.com

© 2004 Purgatory Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. West End Games, WEG, and D6 System are trademarks and properties of Purgatory Publishing Inc.
 • CONTENTS·
INTRODUCTION 3 CHAPTER X: COMBAT OPTIONS 68
Introductory Adventure 4
CHAPTER XI: EXAMPLE SKILL DIFFiCULTIES 72
KEVTERMS 8 Using the Difficulties & Modifiers 72
Information Skills (Intellect) 72
CHAPTER I: CHARACTER BASICS 9 Interaction Skills (Charisma) 72
Character Creation 9 Mental Defenses 73
Attributes 10 Observation Skills (Acumen) 73
Skills 11
Advantages, Disadvantages, & Special Abilities 11 CHAPTER XII: MAGIC 83
Move 13 Obtaining Access to Magic 83
Special Points 13 Learning & Improving Magic Skills 83
Body Points & Wounds 13 Magic Skills 83
Strength Damage 14 Characteristics of a Spell 84
Funds 14 Using Spells & Their Effects 84
Equipment 14 Designing the Spell 85
Character Features & Other Details 14 Basic Aspects 86
Spell Measures Table 87
CHAPTER II: CHARACTER OPTIONS 15 Optional Aspects 89
Costs at Character Creation 16 Final Spell Total & Spell Difficulty 94
Disadvantages 17 Design Time 94
Advantages 27 Spell Design in Action 95
Special Abilities 32 Blank Spell Worksheet 96
Special Ability Enhancements 40
Special Ability Limitations 40 CHAPTER XIII: PRECALCULATED SPELLS 97
CHAPTER III: NON-HUMAN RACES 42 CHAPTER XIV: MIRACLES 103
Obtaining Access to Miracles 104
CHAPTER IV: IMPROVING CHARACTERS 44 Learning & Improving Miracles Skills 105
CHAPTER V: GAME BASICS 47 Miracles Skills 105
Rolling Dice 47 Using Invocations & Their Effects 105
Wild Die 47 Designing Invocations 106
Improving a Roll 47 Required Aspects 106
Using Skills 49 Disallowed Aspects 106
Untrained Skill Use 49 Aspect Specifics 106
Game Time 49 Minimum Difficulty 108
Initiative 49 Sample Invocations 108
Performing Actions in Rounds 50 CHAPTER XV: EQUiPMENT 113
Actions that Take Time 51 Purchasing Equipment 113
Related Skills 52 Coins 113
Preparing 52 Gear 114
Rushing 52 Mystical Artifacts 115
Groups 52 Holy Items 115
Choosing Difficulties 52 Armor & Shields 115
Standard Difficulties 52 Gunpowder Weapons 117
Opposed Difficulties 53 Missile & Thrown Weapons 117
Special Difficulties 53 Melee Weapons 118
Generic Modifiers 54 Improvised Weapons 118
Determining Success 54 Vehicles 118
Result Points 54
CHAPTER XVI: GAMEMASTER TiPS 120
CHAPTER VI: MOVEMENT 55
CHAPTER XVII: ADVENTURE TIPS 121
CHAPTER VII: COMBAT 60 Creating Adventures 121
Attacking & Defending 60 Running Adventures 123
Base Combat Difficulty 60 Rewarding the Players 125
Determining Success 61 Generic People 125
Determining Damage 61 Generic Animals 126
Determining Strength Damage 62 Generic Monsters 126
Optional Damage Bonus 62
Combat Example 62 CHARACTER TEMPLATES 128
CHAPTER VIII: DAMAGE 63 BLANK CHARACTER SHEET 138
Damage & Body Points 63
Damage & Wound Levels 63 D6 REFERENCE SHEET 140

CHAPTER IX: HEALING 66 DIE CODE SiMPLIFiCATION 142

Body Points 66 INDEX 143
Wound Levels 66
OGL 145
 • Introduction •
This book provides the fundamentals necessary to play in nearly
any fantasy setting — low, high, and pseudo-historical — using West
End Games’ famous D6 System roleplaying game rules.
If you’re reading this book, you probably already know what a role-
playing game is. In case you need a refresher or to explain it to your
friends, we suggest telling them that this is an interactive storytelling
game wherein they play the part of major characters in the story. If
they’re still interested, let them read this introduction.
You might also want to start with this introduction if you’ve role-
played before getting this book but it wasn’t with the D6 System.
What Is a Roleplaying Game?
A roleplaying game is very much like improvisational acting or
Do you have some time to learn the rules, but you don’t
want to be the gamemaster? Read all of the chapters up through
the “Healing” chapter. In this introduction is a solitaire adventure
that will get you started on the basics; the rest of the chapters fill
in more details. Then skip to the “Equipment” chapter. If you’ll also
play someone with magical or miraculous abilities, you’ll also need
to read those chapters.
Do you want to be the gamemaster, with all its responsi-
bilities and privileges? You’ll need to read this entire book, or at
least through the “Healing” chapter and skim the rest. Then use the
“Adventure Tips” chapter to design your own scenario. After that,
invite some friends over, introduce them to creating characters,
and have fun!

System Overview
interactive storytelling — but with rules. Many video games are like
this, and there are plenty of online interactive worlds, so chances are
good that you know what a roleplaying game is about. This roleplaying This overview provides basic concepts germane to roleplaying with
game, however, doesn’t need any expensive equipment, special soft- the D6 System. The concepts presented herein are further explained
ware or cartridges, or a connection to the Internet. in the rest of this book, and an introductory adventure will give you
a chance to try out what you’ve learned here.
What Do I Need to Play?
To play this game, you need this book, some paper, something Performing Actions
to write with, some six-sided dice, a lot of imagination, and a group Each player has a character with attributes and skills that describe
of people, one of whom is willing to act as the guiding force in the how well he or she can perform various actions. Attributes represent
game. This person is called many things, but “gamemaster” serves a character’s innate abilities, while skills are specific applications of
well as shorthand for someone who presents information about the those abilities.
game setting, creates obstacles for the other players to overcome,
takes the part of the people the players encounter, and adjudicates
the rules. The rest of the group, simply called “the players,” take on
roles of major characters in the story that they and the gamemaster
create together.
The stories are called “adventures” or “scenarios.” Very short
adventures, usually encompassing only one or two obstacles to a
simple goal, are referred to as “encounters.” A series of encounters
can become an adventure, while a series of adventures can turn into
a campaign. This book contains a chapter (called “Adventure Tips”)
on how to come up with adventures.

Where Do I Go Next?
Will you be you joining a game where everyone else knows
how to play, and you don’t have a lot of time to learn the rules?
Read Chapter 1, “Character Basics,” and then flip to the character tem-
plates on pages 128–137 of this book. Ask the gamemaster which one
or ones you can use. (These are also available for downloading from the
West End Games Web site.) Fill in the template as you learned from
Chapter 1, then take the sheet to the game session and start playing.
The rest of the players will teach the details as you go along.
 Introduction
Introduction
Most game mechanics in D6 Fantasy involve rolling some six-sided
dice. A die code associated with each attribute and skill represents
how good the character is in that area. A die code associated with a
weapon shows how much harm it can cause. The larger the number,
the more experienced, trained, or naturally adept your character is,
or the more deadly the weapon, or the more useful the equipment.
Each die code indicates the number of six-sided dice you roll
when you want your character to do something (1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D,
etc.), and sometimes an amount (called pips) of “+1” or “+2,” which
is added to the total result you roll on the dice.
Example: If your character’s Physique attribute is 3D+1, when
you have her try to lift a ale barrel, you would roll three dice and add
1 to the total to get her result.
To represent the randomness of life (and the tons of little modifiers
that go along with it), every time you roll dice, make sure that one
of them is of a different color than the others. This special die is the
Wild Die, and it can have some interesting effects on your dice total.
(If you only have one die to roll, then that die is the Wild Die.)
If the Wild Die comes up as a 2, 3, 4, or 5, add the result to the
other dice normally. If the Wild Die comes up as a 6, this is a Critical
Success. Add the 6 to your other dice results and roll the Wild Die
again. As long as you roll a 6, you keep adding the 6 and you keep
rolling. If you roll anything else, you add that number to the total and
stop rolling. If the Wild Die comes up as a 1 on the first roll, this is a
Critical Failure. Tell the gamemaster, who will let you know whether
or not to add it to your total.
The higher you roll, the better your character accomplishes the
task at hand. When your character tries doing something, the game-
master decides on the required skill and a difficulty based on the
task’s complexity. The gamemaster doesn’t usually tell you the dif-
ficulty number you need to equal or beat to succeed. He often won’t
inform you which tasks are easier and which are harder, though he
might give you hints. (“Hmmm, jumping over a narrow ravine with
a raging river below is going to be pretty hard.…”) The gamemaster
then uses the rules to interpret the die roll and determine the results
of the action.
Getting Hurt
To describe how much injury a character can sustain, the game-
master decides on one of two ways of determining how much damage
a character can take: Body Points or Wounds.
With the Body Points system, each character has a certain number
of Body Points (which are figured out when you create your character).
You subtract the amount of damage the attacker rolls for his weapon
from the total number of Body Points your character has.
With the Wounds system, each character has a certain number
of Wounds. You roll your character’s Physique while the attacker
rolls damage. Compare the difference between the damage and the
Physique roll the Wounds level chart; the chart lets you know how
many Wounds your character gets from the attack.
In either system, when your character has no more Body Points
or Wounds left, she’s toast.
Improving Rolls
In addition to scores for a character’s attributes and skills, she
has Fate Points and Character Points. You can spend these points in
• Page 4
• Page 4
particularly difficult and heroic situations.
When you spend a Character Point, you get to roll one extra Wild
Die when you character tries to complete a task. You may choose to
spend a Character Point after you’ve made a roll (in case you want
to improve your result).
When you spend a Fate Point, that means your character is using
all of her concentration to try to succeed. You may spend a Fate Point
only before any die rolls are made. Doing so doubles the number of
dice you’d normally roll, usually for one round and one action only,
though the gamemaster may allow players to spend more Fate Points
in particularly challenging moments. This allows the character to do
one action really well.
Once a Character Point or Fate Point is used, it’s gone. You gain
more Character Points at the end of a game for completing goals and
playing well. You may get back Fate Points at the end of the game if
they were used at a brave, heroic, or climactic moment.
Try It Out!
Now that you have the basics down, let’s try out a short scenario.
First, you’ll need a character. On the next page, you’ll find a template.
Most of the game characteristic information is filled in. The attributes
and skills are listed in two columns on the left-hand side of the page.
The attributes names — Agility, Coordination, Physique, Charisma,
Intellect, Acumen, and Extranormal — are printed in bold above the
lighter skill names. There are more skills in the game than the ones
listed on this sheet, but these are the ones commonly associated with
the type of profession this template is supposed to represent.
In the center column, below the chain line, are some more char-
acteristics. Fate Points and Character Points show the number of
these special roll-improving bonuses your character currently has.
Funds and silver are measures of how much wealth your character
can usually get at.
In the far right column, you’ll see Advantages, Disadvantages,
Special Abilities, and a description of your character. These give you
an idea about the kind of character that you’re playing. The equipment
paragraph lists the items your character can use during the game.
Below that, you’ll find “Strength Damage.” This shows how much
harm your character can cause with brute force. Underneath this is
“Move.” This characteristic lists the number of meters your character
can easily walk in five seconds.
After those, you’ll see the Body Points, Wound levels, and the
related Body Point ranges for your character. Each of these represents
how much injury your character can take. This short adventure won’t
use Wounds or the Body Points range, so you can ignore them. Instead,
you only need to keep in mind the Body Points number.
Have a Character?
If you already have a D6 System character — from another
D6 System game or because you created a new one using
the rules in this book — you can still play this adventure.
Simply skip to the “A Typical Tavern” section and follow the
directions.
 Templates • Page 5

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Aspiring Hero
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _____________ 3D+1 Intellect ____________2D+2

acrobatics _______________ cultures _________________
fighting _________________ healing _________________
climbing ________________ navigation _______________
dodge___________________ speaking ________________
flying ___________________ trading _________________
jumping ________________ traps ___________________
melee combat ____________ ________________________
stealth __________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: None
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Disadvantages: None
Coordination _______ 2D+2 Acumen ____________ 3D+1 Special Abilities: None
marksmanship ___________ crafting _________________ Equipment: Dagger (damage +1D); leather
throwing ________________ hide ____________________ jerkin (Armor Value +2); shoulder bag with
________________________ investigation _____________ cheese, bread, and silver coins in it
________________________ know-how _______________
________________________ search __________________ Description: Always fascinated by the trav-
________________________ streetwise _______________ eling sword-showmen that came through

Permission is hereby granted to photocopy this page for personal use. Copyright 2004 Purgatory Publishing Inc., www.westendgames.com.
________________________ survival _________________ your little village, you practiced mimicking
tracking _________________ their techniques (in between your chores
Physique _____________ 3D — and sometimes as part of them). Perhaps
________________________
lifting __________________ inheriting wanderlust from your uncle, you
________________________
running _________________ have set out to find your fortune in the larger
________________________
stamina _________________ world and maybe gain fame by helping a few
________________________
swimming _______________ people along the way.
________________________ Extranormal _________ 0D
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ Strength Damage ________________ 2 D
Charisma _____________ 3D
________________________ Move ____________________________ 10
charm __________________
________________________
command _______________
________________________ Body Points ______________________ 33
intimidation _____________ Wound Level Body Points Range
mettle __________________ Stunned 20–27
persuasion_______________ Fate Points _____________ 1
Wounded 14–19
________________________ Character Points________5 Severely Wounded 7–13
________________________ Incapacitated 4–6
Funds _______________ 3D
________________________ Mortally Wounded 1–3
________________________ Silver _______________ 180 Dead 0
 Introduction
Now that you can find your way around a character template, let’s
fill in the missing game characteristics. To keep it easy, pick seven
skills that you want your character to have experience or training
in. Look at the die code next to the attribute that the first skill is
listed under, and add one to the number in front of the “D.” Write
this new die code next to the skill. Do this for each of the seven
skills you picked.
Example: If you decided to put 1D in climbing, your score for
climbing would be your Agility score plus one, or 4D+1.
Then fill in the top of the sheet, if you’d like, with your character’s
name and other details.
In addition to your character sheet, you’ll need a pencil and some
six-sided dice, one of which should be a different color or size than
the others. This special die is your Wild Die. As you go through this
scenario, don’t read the sections in order. Instead, start with number
1, make a selection, and read the section where your selection tells
you to go. Keep doing that until you get to section 15, which is the
end. Then you’ll be ready for your first D6 Fantasy adventure!
A Typical Tavern
1 • If you think he’ll only listen to force, go to 9.
You’ve only been at this adventuring thing a few months, and so
far, it hasn’t been quite what you expected — no maidens in distress;
no villages tormented by beasts.
As you come into a hamlet, you dejectedly head for the tavern.
You step inside and pause a moment, waiting for your eyes to adjust.
Large windows with shutters open wide to let in some light.
You see a Human woman and an Elf man talking at one table
far from the door. Several paces closer, a Human man, somewhat
grizzled, seems to be getting himself well drunk at another table.
Upon spotting you come in, he staggers to his feet, knocking his
chair backwards with a clatter. “You can’t have my table!” the older
man yells as he wobbles toward you.
Before you decide what to do, let’s find out who goes first: go
to 12.
2 Look at your character sheet and find charm or persuasion. If you
You rolled a Critical Failure on the Wild Die. Take away the one
and your highest number. Read the result on the remaining die, and
add any pips if your Acumen die code included them. (If you’re using
the Aspiring Hero sample character, then you add 1 to the number
on the die.)
• Go to 5.
3 rest of the total). If it’s anything else on the Wild Die, add together
You seemed to have convinced the man. His shoulders sag, and
he reaches down to pick up the fallen chair. This has the interesting
effect of unbalancing him. He tumbles over the chair and doesn’t get
up, apparently having dropped into a drunken stupor.
• Go to 13.
4 eyes go wide. He staggers back a step and trips over the fallen chair,
The old man must have somehow anticipated your move (or his
wobbling made you miscalculate your punch), because he steps out
of the way just as your fist is about to connect with his face. Your
• Page 6
maneuver seemed to off-balance him, though. He staggers back a
step and trips over the fallen chair, crashing to the floor and staying
there in a drunken stupor.
• Go to 13.
5
The drunk is quicker on his feet than he looks. Before you can react,
he rushes forward to punch you. His wild swing connects with your
stomach, causing you to stagger a step. Let’s find out how much that’s
going to hurt. Your ability to resist damage, called your damage resis-
tance total, equals the Armor Value of any protection you’re wearing (like
your leather jerkin) plus any other modifiers. Since there are no other
modifiers, your damage resistance total equals 2 (which is the Armor
Value of the jerkin). Your adversary did four points of damage with his
fist. So, the total amount of injury you take equals the tough’s damage
total minus your damage resistance total, or two points. Subtract two
points from the total number of Body Points you have.
That’s not even enough to knock the wind out of you. Now it’s
your turn.
• If you want to persuade him to drop this fight, go to 7.
6
You rolled a Critical Success on the Wild Die. Add the 6 to the total
of the other dice, and roll only the Wild Die again. As long as you
get a 6 on the Wild Die, keep adding that 6 to the total and roll the
die again. If you get any other number – even a 1 – simply add that
number to the total you already have. (If you’re using the Aspiring
Hero sample character, then you add a 1 to the final total.)
• Go to 10.
7
“I’m not sure what your problem is,” you speak calmly to the weav-
ing man, “but there’s no reason to take it out on me. I just walked
into town a few minutes ago. Why don’t I buy you an ale, sir, or take
you outside to get a little fresh air?”
put extra dice in either of these, look at the die code next to the
skill name. If you didn’t, then look at the die code of their govern-
ing attribute, Charisma. Take a number of dice equal to the number
in front of the “D” of whichever one you’re using; make sure one of
those dice is the Wild Die. Roll the dice. If the Wild Die is a 1, take
it away as well as the highest die and add the rest of them. If the
Wild Die is a 6, add the 6, reroll the Wild Die, and keep adding and
rerolling as long you get a 6 (otherwise, just add the number to the
the results of all of the dice.
• If the total on the dice is greater than or equal to 15, go to 3.
• If the total on the dice is less than 15, go to 14.
8
You give him a quick and sharp jab on the jaw. The older man’s
crashing to the floor and staying there in a drunken stupor.
• Go to 13.
 Introduction
9 14
Some people can be reasoned with, and others need a tap on their
noggins to get their attention. Look at your character sheet and find
fighting. If you put extra dice in this skill, look at the die code next
to the skill name. If you didn’t, then look at the die code of the gov-
erning attribute, Agility. Take a number of dice equal to the number
in front of the “D” of whichever one you’re using; make sure one of
those dice is the Wild Die. Roll the dice. If the Wild Die is a 1, take
it away as well as the highest die and add the rest of them. If the
Wild Die is a 6, add the 6, reroll the Wild Die, and keep adding and
rerolling as long you get a 6 (otherwise, just add the number to the
rest of the total). If it’s anything else on the Wild Die, add together
the results of all of the dice.
• If the total on the dice is greater than or equal to 5, go to 8.
• If the total on the dice is less than 5, go 4.
10
You’re a little quicker at assessing the situation than the drunk
is. You get the chance to do something before he can react. What do
you want to do?
• If you want to persuade him to drop this fight, go to 7.
• If you think he’ll only listen to force, go to 9.
11
Since you didn’t get a 1 or 6 on the Wild Die, simply total the
dice and add any pips if your Acumen die code included them. (If
you’re using the Aspiring Hero character, then you add a 1 to the
total on the dice.)
• If the Acumen total is greater than or equal to 6, go to 10.
• If the Acumen total is less than 6, go to 5.
• Page 7
The drunk sneers at your ridiculous statement, and he rushes
forward to punch you. His wild swing connects with your stomach,
causing you to stagger a step. Let’s find out how much that’s going
to hurt. Your ability to resist damage, called your damage resistance
total, equals the Armor Value of any protection you’re wearing (like
your leather jerkin) plus any other modifiers. Since there are no other
modifiers, your damage resistance total equals 2 (which is the Armor
Value of the jerkin). The drunk did four points of damage with his
fist. So, the total amount of injury you take equals your adversary’s
damage total minus your damage resistance total, or two points.
Subtract two points from the total number of Body Points you have.
That’s not even enough to knock the wind out of you.
As you’re recovering, the older man spits at you, an action that
ultimately unbalances him. Unable to stop his fall, he crashes to floor
and remains there, snoring loudly in a drunken stupor.
• Go to 13.
15
In a full-length adventure, you’d have a lot more choices, but hope-
fully this short adventure gave you an idea of how the game works.
If you’re unsure, go back through the scenario, picking different
answers and, probably, making different die rolls. When you think
you’re ready, you can use the Aspiring Hero character to play in other
adventures with your friends, or you can go to Chapter 1 and learn
how to make your own character. Happy adventuring!

12
First, let’s find out who’s got the faster reactions in this combat
encounter. Look at your character sheet and find “Acumen” and the
die code next to it. Take a number of dice equal to the number in
front of the “D”; make sure one of those dice is the Wild Die (and
differently colored from the rest). So, if the die code is 3D+1, you
would have two regular dice and one Wild Die. Roll the dice and then
select the option that matches the results on the Wild Die.
• If you rolled a 1 on the Wild Die, go to 2.
• If you rolled a 6 on the Wild Die, go to 6.
• If you rolled any number other than a 1 or a 6, go to 11.

13
The woman, other man, and bartender have watched this exchange,
seemingly nonplussed by it all. The bartender shakes his head as he
goes back to wiping out mugs. The woman motions you over to her
and her companion. “Come here. Let us buy you a drink. We don’t
get many visitors here, and despite Stepka’s proclamation, we don’t
mind them. Tell us about yourself. What brings you to our town?”
You seat yourself at the table, gratefully accepting the drink and
deciding how best to start your tale.
• Go to 15.
 • Key Terms •
These definitions provide you with a general idea of what each
term means; they are described in more detail within the book.
Terms italicized within each definition refer to another entry within
this glossary.
action: A task that the character undertakes or something that
the character does, like give a speech or climb a wall.
active defense value: A number the character gets when con-
centrating on getting out of the way of an attack.
Armor Value: A die code representing the amount of protection
a defensive covering provides. It can help determine the damage
resistance total. This term is sometimes abbreviated AV.
Body Points: One of two ways of indicating the amount of
injury a character can sustain, listed as a number. The damage total
is subtracted from the character’s current Body Point total. May be
used alone or with Wounds.
Character Point: A bonus representing a surge of adrenaline or
that extra luck the main characters of a story seem to have. Allows
the user to roll an additional Wild Die.
combat difficulty: A number representing how challenging it is
to attack someone or something. It equals the active defense value or
the passive defense value.
complementary skill: A skill whose results could aid in the use
of another skill.
creation points: Points used when designing a character to pur-
chase die codes in game characteristics or other features that represent
the character’s abilities, experience, and background.
Critical Failure: A result, represented by a 1, on the Wild Die
that indicates something bad has occurred.
Critical Success: A result, represented by a 6, on the Wild Die
that indicates something good has happened. Generally, the player
adds the 6 to the current total and rolls again, adding and rerolling
as long as a 6 comes up.
D (as in “1D”): An abbreviation for “six-sided dice.” The number in
front of the “D” is part of the die code, and lets you know how many
six-sided dice to roll.
damage resistance total: A number that indicates how much
injury a character or object can absorb, soak, or deflect.
damage total: A number representing how much injury or
destruction something has caused.
defaulting to an attribute: Using the die code for an attribute
when the character doesn’t have a higher die code in the needed
skill.
die code, score: The number of six-sided dice players roll (1D, 2D,
3D, 4D, 5D, etc.), and sometimes an amount (called pips) of “+1” or
“+2” that is added to the total result that came up on the dice. “Die
code” and “score” are used interchangeably.
difficulty: A number representing how challenging it is to per-
form an action.
Fate Point: A bonus representing that a character is using all of
her concentration to try to succeed. Allows the player to, at least,
double the number of dice on one roll. Sometimes the gamemaster
will provide other benefits.
free action: Any action that needs only a few seconds or less to
perform or do, such as taking a few steps or glancing quickly around
a room.
modifier: A number or die code that is added or subtracted from
another number or die code to represent a change in the typical
situation.
multi-action penalty: A modifier to a skill or attribute die code
that represents the increased challenge of doing more than one
action at a time.
opposed difficulty, opposed roll: A difficulty that applies when
one character resists another character’s action. In this case, both
characters roll die codes related to the activity and compare them.
passive defense value: A number representing a character’s
innate ability to get out of the way of danger. It usually equals 10.
pip: An added bonus to the total result that came up on the
dice. A “+1” means one is added to the total, while “+2” means two
is added.
range (in combat): The distance from the attacker to the target.
result points: The difference between the total rolled with an
attribute’s or skill’s die code and the difficulty of an action.
result points bonus: Usually, one-half (rounded up) of the
result points figured for an action. It sometimes may be used to
affect other rolls.
round: A unit of time equal to five seconds in the game world.
Figuring out what happens in a round can take longer.
scale: A game mechanic representing that opponents of vastly
different sizes can affect each other differently in combat.
standard difficulty: A number, generally selected from a chart,
assigned to an action based on how challenging it is.
Strength Damage: A die code representing the amount of harm
a character can do because of his or her physical prowess.
Toughness: A die code representing the amount of damage an
object can take, similar to a character’s Physique attribute.
unskilled modifier, untrained modifier: A modifier added to
an action’s difficulty that represents the increased difficulty of doing
something without the right training or experience. The terms are
used interchangeably.
Wild Die: A six-sided die, of a different color or size from other
dice used, that represents the randomness of life, with the 1 and the 6
indicating a special result (see Critical Failure and Critical Success).
Wounds: One of two ways of indicating the amount of injury
a character can sustain, listed as a level. The level is determined by
comparing the difference between the damage total and the damage
resistance total to a chart. May be used alone or with Body Points.
 CHAPTER I

• Character Basics •
What’s in this Chapter
This chapter covers three methods of character creation and pro-
vides an overview of the attributes and skills available to characters.
If you’ve made a character already, skip past “Character Creation”
to “Attributes” and skim the rest of the chapter, adjusting your
character if necessary.
These guidelines assume you’ll make a normal Human character.
If not, talk with your gamemaster about the minimums, maximums,
and other requirements for the character race you want to use. Peruse
the “Non-Human Races” chapter for some sample ideas.
See the various sections in this chapter for details on dice distri-
bution and figuring out other aspects of your character.
Attributes: Distribute 18 dice among the seven attributes. The

Character Creation
To make a character, you’ll need to select a template from within
this book or another D6 System game, or make your own. A blank
character sheet also is included at the end of this book. You can either
photocopy your chosen sheet, or copy the information onto a separate
piece of paper. You also can find the templates available free at the
West End Games Web site, www.westendgames.com.
Templates
A few starting templates have been provided at the end of this
book. To get started right away, pick one and distribute seven skill
dice among the skills listed; the dice for attributes have already
been done for you. Although the listed skills are the ones that type
of character might typically have, though you could include others
not on the list if you’d like.
For skill descriptions and details on how to distribute skill dice,
see the “Skills” section later in this chapter.
If desired, you can fill in the other character features (such as
gender, age, etc.) and provide any additional notes on the character’s
history. There is no need to purchase equipment, as that has already
been figured for the characters.
If you choose a template from another D6 System game, you may
need to make some adjustments in the types of skills a character
based on that might have. Check the list herein to make sure the
template’s skills are described in this D6 version. If one is not, either
cross it off the template or substitute a similar skill that does exist.
Also, some attributes may have different names. If you are unsure
how an attribute translates to D6 Fantasy, ask your gamemaster.
Once you have finished filling in your template, you can either
start playing the game with your group, or you can skip to the “Game
Basics” chapter and read more on how to use your new character.
minimum is 1D and the maximum is 5D in all attributes except Extra-
normal attributes, which remains at 0D for most characters.
Skills: Distribute seven dice among the skills. The maximum
number of dice added to any one skill is 3D.
Move: This equals 10 meters per round.
Body Points: If your gamemaster is using this characteristic,
roll your character’s Physique and add 20 to the total. Ignore this
characteristic if your gamemaster is only using Wounds.
Wounds: If your gamemaster is using the Wound levels option
with Body Points, see the appropriate table in the “Damage and Body
Points” section of the “Damage” chapter to determine the range of
Body Points associated with each Wound level. If your gamemaster
only will use Wounds, you don’t need to figure out the Body Points
range; you can put a line through that column if you’d like.
Strength Damage: Drop the pips from your character’s Physique
or lifting score (including any Special Abilities or Disadvantages that
affect the die code), divide the number by 2, and round up. This is
the Strength Damage die code.
Funds and Silver: Funds and Silver reveal how much wealth
your character can usually get at without too much trouble. All
characters start with a base Funds die code of 3D. Check “Funds” in

Defined Limits
If you wish to make your own starting character from scratch,
without a template but with defined limits on what can be put into
attributes and skills, use these guidelines. This chapter describes
each characteristic in more detail, including examples on how you
can split the dice.
 Chapter 1
this chapter for modifiers to this roll and how to convert
this number to coins. The cash equivalent of Funds goes
on the Silver line.
Character Points: Characters start with five Char-
acter Points.
Fate Points: Characters start with one Fate Point.
For equipment, Advantages, Disadvantages, Special
Abilities, background, and character features, see the
appropriate sections in this chapter for more details on
how to fill out these optional sections.
Creation Point Pool
Those who wish to use points to create their characters,
rather than following a template or being restricted in
what they can put in skills and attributes, can use a point
system. Each novice character receives 79 creation points
to distribute among all the options. Players may only spend
creation points as whole points, not as fractions.
• One attribute die equals four creation points.
• One skill die equals one creation point.
• Three skill specialization dice equal one creation
point.
• Advantages and Special Abilities have their own
costs associated with them; see the “Character Options”
chapter for details.
Other restrictions apply:
• Attributes have a minimum of 1D and a maximum of
5D, except in Extranormal attributes.
• The maximum starting number of dice that may be added to any
one skill or specialization of skill is 3D.
• Points must be spent on whole dice, though the purchased dice
may be split and distributed in their category. For instance, if a player
spends four creation points to get one attribute die, the die may be
split into three pips and divided among up to three attributes, but
no attribute pip may be traded in for a skill die.
Players of Human characters may add up to 10 additional creation
points to their totals by taking an appropriate number of ranks in
Disadvantages. Non-Human species may have their own creation
point totals, maximum number of points from Disadvantages, and
starting Advantages, Disadvantages, and Special Abilities.
For worlds involving more Special Abilities, gamemasters should
feel free to raise the number of starting creation points and the number
of possible creation points received from Disadvantages.
Characters also receive the following aspects, like those created
with defined limits:
Move: This equals 10 meters per round.
Body Points: If your gamemaster includes this characteristic,
roll your character’s Physique and add 20 to the total. Ignore this
characteristic if your gamemaster is using Wounds only.
Wounds: If your gamemaster relies on the Wound levels option
with Body Points, see the appropriate table in the “Damage and Body
Points” section of the “Damage” chapter to determine the range of
Body Points associated with each Wound level. If your gamemaster
uses Wounds only, you don’t need to figure out the Body Points range;
you can put a line through that column if you’d like.
• Page 10
Experienced Characters
If you are making an experienced character, you’ll need to figure out how
many more years that character has been around than one starting out.
By Templates or Defined Limits
Using the initial novice totals of seven skill dice, five Character Points,
and one Fate Point, add 15 skill dice, 15 Character Points, and two Fate
Points to the initial totals for each year the character has been a full-time
active adventurer. (For part-timers, halve these figures, rounding up.)
By Creation Point Pool
With the initial novice totals of 79 creation points, five Character
Points, and one Fate Point as a starting point, add 15 creation points, 15
Character Points, and two Fate Points for each year the character has been a
full-time active adventurer. (For part-timers, halve these figures, rounding
up.) Unless the gamemaster decides otherwise, there are no maximums for
skills and Disadvantages.
Existing Personae
A player basing her character on an existing fictional entity should ignore
the skill and Disadvantage limits and, with their gamemaster’s approval,
create the character by distributing dice as best reflects how the character
appears in his, her, or its stories.
Strength Damage: Drop the pips from your character’s Physique
or lifting score (including any Special Abilities or Disadvantages that
affect the die code), divide the number by 2, and round up. This is
the Strength Damage die code.
Funds and Silver: Funds and silver measure how much wealth your
character can usually get at without too much trouble. All characters
start with a base Funds die code of 3D. Look under “Funds” in this
chapter for modifiers to this roll and how to convert this number to
cash. The cash equivalent of Funds goes on the Silver line.
Attributes
Each character has seven attributes, which measure basic physical
and mental abilities that are common to every living creature (and
some nonliving things), no matter what universe or dimension they
exist in.
Agility: An indication of balance, limberness, quickness, and full-
body motor abilities.
Coordination: A quantification of hand-eye coordination and fine
motor abilities.
Physique: An estimation of physical power and ability to resist
damage.
Intellect: A measure of strength of memory and ability to learn.
Acumen: Your character’s mental quickness, creativity, and atten-
tion to detail.
Charisma: A gauge of emotional strength, physical attractiveness,
and personality.
Extranormal: An assessment of your character’s extraordinary
abilities, which could include magic, miracles, or other extranormal
 Character Basics
talents. It is often listed by its type, rather than by the term “Extra-
normal.” Most characters begin with a score of 0D, since people with
such abilities are extremely rare. Those who have an Extranormal
attribute must decide how it’s manifested. Characters almost never
have more than one Extranormal attribute. Magic and Miracles are
two Extranormal attributes described in this book.
When you put dice in an attribute, you can either put whole dice
in each attribute, or you can give each a mixture of whole dice and
pips. Each die equals three pips.
Example: You’ve distributed most of your attribute dice, but you
have four dice left to put in Intellect and Charisma. You could put
1D in Intellect and 3D in Charisma, or 2D+1 in Intellect and 1D+2 in
Charisma, or some similar combination.
Extranormal is the only attribute in which a Human character
may have no dice; there is no maximum that a Human character
may have in this attribute. No Human character may have less than
1D or more than 5D in any other attribute. Other races may have
other minimums and maximums, which may be represented by the
Increased Attribute Special Ability or the Hindrance Disadvantage,
which are either listed with the race description or specified by the
gamemaster. See the “Character Options” chapter for details on
Disadvantages and Special Abilities, and the “Non-Human Races”
chapter for some other fantasy race examples.
Skills
Skills are more specific applications of an attribute. For example,
the skill dodge is a more specific use of your character’s Agility. Char-
acters learn them through instruction or experience.
Skills are areas of expertise that are not necessarily common to
every living creature. Some creatures simply don’t have the capacity
to learn certain skills.
All skills beneath a given attribute begin at that attribute’s die
code. To highlight skills in which the character has trained or has
some experience, add pips or dice to the base attribute value.
As with attributes, when creating your character you can either
put whole dice in each skill, or you can give each a mixture of whole
dice and pips. Remember that each die equals three pips.
Example: You’ve chosen your attribute scores, including putting
2D+1 in Intellect. If you wanted her to be a little better in the speaking
Focused Skills
Some gamemasters prefer narrower skill categories,
requiring characters to select more specific abilities, such as
animal handling: horses or reading/writing: Gnomish. If that’s
the case, players’ characters start with 21 skill dice or 93
creation points. Players need to get gamemaster approval
on any subcategories they choose, while gamemasters need
to insure that the subcategories are neither too broad (all
mammals) or too narrow (a single type of poison). Players
may take specializations of these narrower skills, as described
in the rules. Characters under this rule may never take the
general skill without selecting a subcategory.
• Page 11
skill, you could add one pip to the base attribute to get a speaking skill
score of 2D+2. If you decided to add two pips to the base attribute,
the speaking score becomes 3D.
You can also specialize in skills. Specializations reflect a greater
familiarity in a particular area covered by a base skill. One skill die
equals three specialization dice. Of course, one specialization die
still equals three pips.
You don’t need to have any extra dice in the base skill in order to
take a specialization in that skill, but when you give your character
specializations in that manner, they are treated as separate skills. If
you give your character specializations in base skills he already has,
those specializations are considered bonuses to the base skill when
attempting tasks of that type.
Once you’ve chosen at least one specialization and put one or two
pips or dice in it, you have to use the remaining specialization dice
and pips to either purchase more pips in the same specialization or
purchase one or more pips in other specializations.
You roll the specialization’s die code only when you use the specific
item or knowledge reflected by the specialization. Otherwise, you
roll the base skill (or attribute if you didn’t put additional dice in the
full skill).
Example: If your character’s Intellect is 2D+2 and her speaking is
3D, you could give her a speaking specialization of Elvish of +1 (which
means that, when she’s trying to speak with Elves, you roll three dice
and adds 1 to the total). You would then have two specialization dice
and two specialization pips to place among other specializations. With
these, you could further improve her speaking: Elvish specialization,
or you could pick one or more other specializations in the same or
other base skills.
You decide that with one other specialization pip, you’ll give your
character cultures: Elves, but you won’t take the full cultures skill for
her. This allows your character to have cultures: Elves at 3D (add 1
to the die code of the base attribute, Intellect, which is 2D+2). Thus,
when your character attempts to determine how best to handle
Elvish relations, you roll 3D, but if she tries to figure out what’s an
appropriate gift for a Dwarf, you only rely on the attribute’s score,
which is 2D+2.
A character may not put dice in any skill associated with the
Extranormal attribute unless that character already has dice in that
attribute.
The maximum number of dice the character may start with in any
base skill is 3D greater than the governing attribute, with no more
than 3D greater than the base skill in any specialization.
You can find the list of skills and their descriptions on pages
12–13.
Advantages, Disadvantages,
& Special Abilities
Advantages and Disadvantages are benefits or problems your
character has. Some affect the character’s attributes and skills, while
others serve as useful roleplaying tools for rounding out the charac-
ter. Special Abilities are unusual talents or powers the character has
that most other Humans don’t have. The next chapter, “Character
Options,” discusses these characteristics. You may ignore this section
if you don’t want to add them to your character.
 Chapter 1
Skills
As this skill list includes broad definitions not applicable in all eras or worlds for which D6 Fantasy could be used, the gamemaster
has the final say on actual skill applications. For difficulties associated with each skill, see the “Example Skill Difficulties” chapter.
Agility
acrobatics: Performing feats of gymnastics, extraordinary
balance, and dance (and related performance arts), as well as
breaking falls. Useful for running obstacle courses or doing courtly
promenade.
fighting: Competence in unarmed combat.
climbing: Scaling various surfaces.
contortion: Escaping from otherwise secure physical bonds
by twisting, writhing, and contorting the body.
dodge: Slipping out of danger’s way, whether avoiding an
attack or a sprung booby trap.
flying: Maneuvering under one’s own power (such as with
wings).
jumping: Leaping over obstacles.
melee combat: Wielding hand-to-hand weapons.
riding: Controlling and riding domesticated mounts.
stealth: Moving silently and avoiding detection, whether
through shadows or crowds.
Coordination
charioteering: Accelerating, steering, and decelerating chariots
(in particular) or any kind of cart-and-animal vehicle.
lockpicking: Opening a mechanical lock without possessing
the key or combination.
marksmanship: Shooting any kind of mechanical device
— such as a bow or sling — that projects missiles across a dis-
tance.
pilotry: Operating any water-faring vehicle, including steer-
ing, applying the oars, or managing the sails.
sleight of hand: Nimbleness with the fingers and misdirection,
including picking pockets, palming items, and stage magic.
throwing: Hitting a target accurately with a thrown item,
including stones, javelins, bottles, and knives. Also used for
catching thrown items.
Physique
lifting: Moving or lifting heavy objects, as well as represent-
ing the ability to inflict additional damage with strength-powered
weapons.
running: Moving quickly on the ground while avoiding
obstacles and keeping from stumbling.
stamina: Physical endurance and resistance to pain, disease,
and poison.
swimming: Moving and surviving in a liquid medium.
Intellect
cultures: Comprehension of customs, traditions, art, history,
politics, and views on outsiders of various regions or groups, as
well as the ability to generalize about common cultural forms.
• Page 12
devices: Using and designing complex mechanical equipment.
Actually building items requires crafting.
healing: Dressing wounds, applying splints, and disinfecting
injuries, plus an understanding and application of medical proce-
dures, such as diagnosing illnesses and performing surgery.
navigation: Determining the correct course using external
reference points, such as stars, maps, or landmarks, as well as
creating maps.
reading/writing: Familiarity with and ability to understand
various forms of written communication, as well as the ability to
create literary compositions, including forging papers and iden-
tifying such forgeries. Characters do not begin with the ability
to read or write.
scholar: This skill represents knowledge and/or education in
areas not covered under any other skill (such as alchemy, cook-
ing, arcane lore, etc.). This may be restricted to a specific field
(represented by specializations) or a general knowledge of a wide
range of subjects. It is used to remember details, rumors, tales,
legends, theories, important people, and the like, as appropriate
for the subject in question. However, the broader the category, the
fewer the details that can be recalled. It covers what the character
himself can recall. Having another skill as a specialization of the
scholar skill means that the character knows the theories and his-
tory behind the skill but can’t actually use it. Scholar can be useful
with investigation to narrow a search for information.
speaking: Familiarity with and ability to understand vari-
ous forms of verbal communication. Characters know the Trade
Speech (assuming the setting has one) and one “native” language
in which they have spoken fluency. Additional languages in which
a character has proficiency can be represented by specializations
of this skill.
trading: Knowledge of business practices, exchange rates, the
monetary value of goods and opportunities, and other informa-
tion regarding barter and sales, including the ability to determine
how to make money with another skill the character has. Trading
can complement bluff, charm, and persuasion when haggling over
prices for goods and services being bought or sold.
traps: Installing, altering, and bypassing security devices,
as well as identifying various kinds of traps (gas, pit, wire-trig-
gered, etc.).
Acumen
artist: Making works of art, like paintings, music composi-
tions, and dance choreographies.
crafting: Creating, fixing, or modifying equipment, weapons,
armor, and vehicles, as well as woodworking, metalworking, con-
structing buildings, and the like.
(continued on next page)
 Character Basics
Skills Continued
disguise: Altering features or clothing to be unrecognizable or
to look like someone else. Also useful in acting performances.
gambling: Playing and cheating at games of strategy and
luck.
hide: Concealing objects, both on oneself and using camou-
flage.
investigation: Gathering information, researching topics,
analyzing data, and piecing together clues.
know-how: Figuring out how to perform an action in which
the character does not have experience, as well as a catch-all skill
encompassing areas not covered by other skills (such as utilitarian
sewing or cooking).
search: Spotting hidden objects or people, reconnoitering,
lipreading, or eavesdropping on or watching another person.
streetwise: Finding information, goods, and contacts in an
urban environment, particularly through thieves’ guilds and
similar criminal organizations, black markets, and other illicit
operations. Also useful for determining possible motives and
methods of criminals.
survival: Surviving in wilderness environments, including
the ability to identify plants, animals, and their nutritional and
medicinal uses.
tracking: Following the trail of another person, animal, or crea-
ture, or keeping after a moving target without being noticed.
Charisma
animal handling: Controlling animals and making them
perform tricks and follow commands.
bluff: Lying, tricking, or deceiving others, as well as verbal
evasion, misdirection, and blustering. Disguise can complement
uses of this skill. Also useful in putting on acting performances.
charm: Using friendliness, flattery, or seduction to influence
someone else. Also useful in sales and bartering transactions,
Move
This number (usually 10) represents how many meters your
character moves in a round at maximum walking speed in standard
conditions. (The running skill can increase this rate.) Move also serves
as the base for other movement skills.
Should the character have a different sort of movement than
normal (such as fins for legs), see the Hindrance Disadvantage
(described in the “Character Options” chapter) for information on
how to account for this variability.
Special Points
Players’ characters typically start the game with one Fate Point
and five Character Points. You can spend these points to improve
your character’s chance of succeeding in especially difficult situations.
(The mechanics of this are discussed in the “Game Basics” chapter.)
Character Points alternatively are used to permanently improve
skills. Your character earns more Character and Fate Points by hav-
• Page 13
putting on performances (such as singing, acting, or storytelling),
and situations involving etiquette.
command: Effectively ordering and coordinating others in
team situations.
intimidation: Using physical presence, verbal threats, taunts,
torture, or fear to influence others or get information out of
them.
mettle: Ability to withstand stress, temptation, other people’s
interaction attempts, mental attacks, and pain. The gamemaster
may allow a specialization in a specific faith tradition or belief
system to enhance many, though not all, applications of mettle.
persuasion: Influencing others or getting information out
of them through bribery, honest discussion, debate, diplomacy,
or speeches. Also useful in negotiations, business transactions,
storytelling, and oration.
Extranormal: Magic
Magic is one possible Extranormal attribute. For specific informa-
tion on Magic, see its chapter in this book.
alteration: Casting spells involving change.
apportation: Casting spells involving movement.
divination: Casting spells involving knowledge.
conjuration: Casting spells involving creation.
Extranormal: Miracles
Miracles is another possible Extranormal attribute. For specific
information on Miracles, see its chapter in this book.
divination: Requesting divine aid to gain knowledge of the
past, present, or future.
favor: Requesting divine aid to help, improve, heal, or benefit
someone or something.
strife: Requesting divine aid to cause injury or destruction.
ing adventures. There is no limit to the number of Character or Fate
Points your character may have at any time.
Body Points & Wounds
This section of the character sheet allows you to keep track of
the healthiness of your character. Which you use depends on the
gamemaster.
Determining Body Points
When you create a new character, roll his Physique (including any
modifiers from Disadvantages or Special Abilities) and add 20. This
becomes his Body Point total. Write it on the character sheet in the space
provided. Templates already have their Body Points determined.
Example: Your character has 3D+1 in Physique. You roll three
dice, making sure one of them is the Wild Die. The dice come up 4
and 6, with a 1 on the Wild Die. Since the 1 has no negative effect,
you add the numbers to arrive at a total of 11. You then include the
 Chapter 1
Gamemaster’s Characters
Gamemaster’s characters (sometimes referred to as non-
player characters or NPCs) may or may not be created using
the same rules as players’ characters. Because the gamemaster’s
characters serve as interactive elements in the story, it all
depends on the NPC’s importance to the story line. Minor
gamemaster’s characters have fewer attribute and skill dice,
fewer Body Points or Wounds, and few (if any) character
options, Character Points, or Fate Points. Major characters,
however, should follow the same guidelines as the players’
characters, possibly having more skill dice, Advantages, Disad-
vantages, and Special Abilities than a typical starting player’s
character. An increase over the players’ characters reflects the
fact that a major antagonist has been around much longer.
pip bonus of 1 with this for 12. Finally, you add 12 to 20 to get a Body
Point total of 32.
• Page 14
All characters start with a base of 3 in Funds. Use the accompany-
ing table to adjust this number. Include any modifiers to attributes
due to Disadvantages or Special Abilities. The minimum total is 1.
The final total becomes the die code in the Funds attribute.
After character creation, a player can increase the Funds attribute
by spending Character Points (using the rules in the “Improving Char-
acters” chapter) or through bonuses received as adventure rewards.
If the gamemaster prefers to use cash or its equivalent, multiply
the Funds total by a value specified by the gamemaster (typically about
60 silver, but gamemasters may increase or decrease this depending
on how expensive goods and services are in their setting). This is how
much money the character receives per week for whatever sort of
work the character does or investments the character has.
Example: Your character has 4D in Intellect, 6D in trading, and
+2D in a specialization of trading: currency exchange. Starting with 3,
you add to it 1 for your high Intellect score and 1 for having at least 8D
in trading plus a specialization. Your final total is 5, which gives you
a Funds score of 5D. If your gamemaster preferred cash, you would
start with a regular income of 300 silver per week.
Using the Funds attribute is discussed in the “Equipment”
chapter.

Determining Wounds Equipment

If your gamemaster is using the Wound levels option with Body
Points, see the appropriate table in the “Damage” chapter to determine
the range of Body Points associated with each Wound level. If your
gamemaster is only using Wounds, you don’t need to figure out the Body
Points range; you can put a line through that column if you’d like.
A player of a starting character may select one small weapon
and a little protective gear plus a few tools of the character’s chosen
trade, unless there is equipment already listed on the template sheet.
Some basic equipment is explained in the “Equipment” chapter; the
gamemaster may allow other options.

Strength Damage Character Features &

Strength Damage indicates the amount of harm a character can
do in combat with body parts, melee weapons, thrown weapons, and
most missile weapons.
Other Details
The character sheet provided in this book and most other tem-
plates include spots for your character’s name, career, species, gender,
Determining Strength Damage age, and background information. Unless specified by the template
To determine the Strength Damage die code, take the character’s or your gamemaster allows otherwise, your character’s species is
Physique or lifting (including any die code modifiers from Disad- Human. See the “Non-Human Races” chapter for details on alternate
vantages or Special Abilities) and drop the pips. Divide by 2, and racial packages. Everything else in these sections you are free to fill
round up. in as you like.
Example: A character with 3D in Physique has a Strength Damage of
2D. A character with 6D+2 in lifting has a Strength Damage of 3D. Height & Weight
Players who want their characters significantly larger or smaller
Templates & Strength Damage than the average Human have a few options. If the size is propor-
If you added dice to a template’s lifting skill, you’ll tionately larger or smaller,
need to adjust the Strength Damage value listed. Use then the character must
the information above to correct the number. have the Size Advantage.
Determining Funds If the size is a hindrance,
Funds Characteristic
1D in Charisma
Modifier
-1
then the character should
have the Hindrance Dis-
To allow the gamemaster to more easily adjust the
1D in Intellect -1 advantage as well. Other-
“real world” cost to something appropriate for her
4D or more in Charisma +1 wise, fill in the height and
world or her part of the world, this system substitutes
4D or more in Intellect +1 weight on the character
difficulties for the prices of items. Each character thus
8D or more in trading skill sheet however you’d like,
gets a Funds attribute, which represents the amount of
plus its highest specialization +1 within average Human
money the character can get without too much trouble
limits.
on a regular basis because of work or investments.
 CHAPTER II
• Character Options •
What’s in this Chapter
This chapter is for players who want to explore more of their
characters’ possible backgrounds and traits. After completing basic
character generation in Chapter 1, look through this chapter to “flesh
out” your character with interesting game- and story-related options
called Advantages, Disadvantages, and Special Abilities. These sug-
gest the fact that your character might have knowledge, resources,
or abilities that aren’t reflected by the character’s attributes and
skills. If something inspires you to change your character’s basic
characteristics, feel free to go back and make adjustments.
Expanding the
Character Concept
When you first created your character, you probably had a character
concept in mind or one was suggested by the template that you used.
Now’s the time to expand the character’s history.
There are several ways you can do this. The easiest is to answer
questions like:
• Where and when was my character born?
• What did my character do as a child?
• What unusual experiences did my character have?
• How did my character become the person he is now?
• What is one of my character’s major goals?
• What was my character doing right before the game begins?
• Why does my character have the skills that he has?
Say your character knows marksmanship and several specializa-
tions. Why? Was the character in the army? A child of a mercenary?
How were these skills learned? You don’t have to explain every skill,
but try to rationalize any unusual skills (such as Extranormal skills),
as well as skills the character has two dice or more in (he is really
good at those).
There are, of course, other questions you can come up with, though
these are among the most common.
You can jot down notes and go back and fill in the gaps as you
play. You can make up the name of the character’s village, the exact
date of birth, and other things as you go along. If you’re stuck for
ideas, read the basic description of the game setting or remember
pertinent books, television shows, and movies — you can develop
ideas based on them.
Peruse the Character Options
You might not want to write a background for your character until
you look at some of the options available to you. Take a look at the
Advantages, Disadvantages, and Special Abilities, and see some of
the benefits and drawbacks you can choose for your character. You
might see something you want to work in, and that will help give
you ideas for a background story.
Fantastic Species
Gamemasters and players can use character options to tweak
the basic Human starting character package into any sort of species
template that they desire. The next chapter, “Non-Human Races,”
provides some sample non-Human write-ups and character pack-
ages based on them.
Selecting Character Options
Advantages, Disadvantages, and Special Abilities make the char-
acter more interesting, more (and less) effective, and more fun to
roleplay (if you do it right). You know the story of your character
— here’s what that story means in game terms.
Advantages are perks that the character has because of her status
in society, the people she knows, or something in her background.
They generally do not directly affect attributes or skills.
Disadvantages hamper the character in some way. They might
affect her attributes or skills or they might mean trouble for her in
certain situations. Both Advantages and Disadvantages make the
character more rounded and more believable.
Special Abilities are those abilities that exceed the usual or
natural capabilities of a Human character. The character’s species,
some sort of unique training, or a magical/miraculous/other effect
might explain their origin. They give the character a bonus to her
attributes or skills, or they provide her with access to something that
the average Human character can’t do.
Example: You decide to give your character a Special Ability that
provides him with a +1 to one of three combat-related skill totals. If
you don’t have any points to spend on Special Abilities, your character
Game Mechanics
Within the descriptions of several Advantages, Disadvan-
tages, and Special Abilities, you’ll notice references to game
mechanics that haven’t been explained yet (like the Critical
Failure die result and the names of difficulty levels). If this
is your first time playing a D6 System game, you can ignore
these for now. You’ll learn more about them in the “Game
Basics” chapter. Once you start playing adventures, you’ll
find the game mechanics in this chapter useful.
 Chapter 2 • Page 16
needs to have some kind of Disadvantage as well. The character might
have to add 1 to the difficulty of all interaction-related skill totals, or
you might include a totally unrelated Disadvantage (of comparative Disadvantages
power) — like the character is afraid of the dark and has trouble Achilles’ Heel (R3, R4); examples (R3): Allergy, Cultural
acting when in the dark. Allergy, Environmental Incompatibility, Metabolic Dif-
ference, Nutritional Requirements, Rot, Vulnerability;
Using Character Options examples (R4): Allergy, Cultural Allergy, Environmental
Every character option in this chapter has its own rules for imple- Incompatibility, Rot, Symbiosis
mentation. There are, if you look hard enough, some nightmarish Advantage Flaw (R1, R2, R3); examples (R3): Infection,
combinations. If something seems like it is could cause trouble in Minor Stigma, Stench
the game later on, check with your gamemaster before choosing it. Age (R1, R2)
Ultimately, the gamemaster has final say on the choice of all Advan- Bad Luck (R2, R3, R4)
tages, Disadvantages, and Special Abilities, as well as final say on the Burn-out (R1 or more)
interpretation of those choices. Players who misuse their character Cultural Unfamiliarity (R1, R2, R3)
options, particularly their Disadvantages, may find their Advantages Debt (R1, R2, R3)
or Special Abilities meeting with some unfortunate accident. Devotion (R1, R2, R3)
Employed (R1, R2, R3)
Organization Enemy (R1, R2, R3)
Hindrance (R1 or more); examples: Bad Knee, Gruffness/Arro-
Advantages, Disadvantages, and Special Abilities are listed gance, Trick Shoulder, Uncoordinated, Unobservant
alphabetically in their respective sections. Advantages and Disadvan- Infamy (R1, R2, R3)
tages are further organized into ranks. These ranks are numbered; Language Problems (R2)
higher-numbered ranks are more powerful. They are abbreviated Learning Problems (R1 per rank)
R1, R2, R3, R4, and so on. Special Abilities don’t have listed ranks. Poverty (R1)
Instead, the descriptions give the initial cost for gaining one rank Prejudice (R1, R2)
in that ability. Price (R1, R2)
Note: Gamemasters may allow higher ranks of character options Quirk (R1, R2, R3); examples (R1): Dependency, Kleptomania,
than the examples given here. Players and gamemasters should discuss Indecision, Stutter; examples (R2): Dependency, Secret;
the best way to represent their characters’ unique set of traits. examples (R3): Dependency, Paranoid, Phobic, Vengeful
Reduced Attribute (R2 or more)
Costs at Character Creation Note: At character creation, Disadvantages give one creation
Each rank in an Advantage or Disadvantage is worth one creation point or one skill die per rank.
point (or one skill die, if you’re using defined limits) per number.
Advantages cost creation points, while Disadvantages give you cre- Advantages
ation points (or skill dice). Thus, a Rank 1 Advantage costs one point Authority (R1, R2, R3)
or die, while a Rank 4 Disadvantage gives you four points or dice. Contacts (R1, R2, R3, R4)
The cost of one rank of the Special Ability is included in parentheses. Cultures (R1, R2, R3, R4)
Some Special Abilities, such as Immortality, do not lend themselves Equipment (R1, R2, R3, R4)
to being taken more than once. Players may also add Limitations Fame (R1, R2, R3)
to their Special Abilities, which reduce their effectiveness (and the Patron (R1, R2, R3)
cost), or Enhancements, which increase their effectiveness (and the Size (R1 or more)
cost); these are described at the end of this section. Trademark Specialization (R1)
In settings where characters with Special Abilities are common, Wealth (R1 or more)
additional ranks of each Special Ability cost one point (or skill die)
Note: At character creation, Advantages cost one creation point
per rank at character creation. In settings where characters with
or one skill die per rank.
Special Abilities are uncommon, additional ranks of each Special
Ability cost the value listed with the Special Ability. As one instance,
the total cost of two ranks of Iron Will in a game where Special Abili-
ties are uncommon is four, while in a game where they are common,
the cost is three.
When using templates or defined limits for attributes and skill Additionally, players may use creation points that they earn from
dice, players may use skill dice or dice received from Disadvantages giving their characters Disadvantages to buy more skill dice (at a rate
to get Advantages and Special Abilities. Players in games using of one creation point for each skill die) or more attribute dice (at a
character creation point pools may use some of the points in their rate of four creation points for each attribute die).
pool or points gained from Disadvantages to purchase Advantages A maximum of 10 creation points (or 10 extra skill dice) received
and Special Abilities. from Disadvantages is recommended for any genre.
 Character Options • Page 17
Special Abilities
Accelerated Healing (3) Longevity (3) Limitations
Ambidextrous (2) Luck, Good (2), Great (3) Ability Loss (3 for 1 rank; 4 for 2 ranks)
Animal Control (3) Master of Disguise (3) Allergy (3 for 1 rank; 4 for 2 ranks)
Armor-Defeating Attack (2) Multiple Abilities (1) Burn-out (1)
Atmospheric Tolerance (2) Natural Armor (3) Debt (3)
Attack Resistance (2) Natural Hand-to-Hand Weapon (2) Flaw (1)
Attribute Scramble (4) Natural Magick (5 or more) Minor Stigma (3)
Blur (3) Natural Ranged Weapon (3) Others Only (2 for 1 rank; 3 for 2 ranks;
Combat Sense (3) Omnivorous (2) 4 for 3 ranks)
Confusion (4) Paralyzing Touch (4) Price (1)
Darkness (3) Possession, Limited (8), Full (10) Restricted (1)
Elasticity (1) Quick Study (3) Side Effect (2)
Endurance (1) Sense of Direction (2) Singularity (1 per Special Ability)
Enhanced Sense (3) Shapeshifting (3) Super-science (2)
Environmental Resistance (1) Silence (3)
Note: At character creation, the first rank in a
Extra Body Part (0) Skill Bonus (1)
Special Ability costs the number in parentheses
Extra Sense (1) Skill Minimum (4)
in creation points or skill dice. Additional ranks
Fast Reactions (3) Teleportation (3)
cost one creation point or skill die in games
Fear (2) Transmutation (5)
where Special Abilities are common, or the
Flight (6) Uncanny Aptitude (3)
number in parentheses in games where Special
Glider Wings (3) Ventriloquism (3)
Abilities are uncommon. Enhancements add to
Hardiness (1) Water Breathing (2)
the total cost of the Special Ability. Limitations
Hypermovement (1) Youthful Appearance (1)
subtract from the total of the base cost of the
Immortality (7)
Special Ability plus the cost of its ranks plus
Immunity (1) Enhancements
the cost of its Enhancements. The minimum
Increased Attribute (2) Additional Effect (1)
cost for a Special Ability plus Enhancements
Infravision/Ultravision (1) Bestow (1 or more)
and Limitations is 1.
Intangibility (5) Extended Range (3)
Invisibility (3) Magically Empowered (4 for 1 rank;
Iron Will (2) 5 for 2 ranks)
Life Drain (5) Multiple Targets (2)

Disadvantages 3. The Disadvantage has to be a disadvantage. Any Disadvan-

Many Disadvantages exist as counterparts to the Advantages
or Special Abilities listed herein. A Skill Bonus Special Ability is the
positive end of a Hindrance Disadvantage. Some have roleplaying
effects, while others alter attributes and skills.
When choosing Disadvantages, keep a few things in mind:
1. You’re going to have to live with the Disadvantage. Take
only Disadvantages that you don’t expect to ever get rid of — there
are rules for eliminating Disadvantages, but the gamemaster may
allow their use only after lots of adventuring.
2. Choose more roleplaying Disadvantages than game-
mechanic ones. Instead of taking easy-to-use modifiers to skill
attempts or abilities, select Disadvantages that you can roleplay.
Granted, you won’t want to have an overwhelming number of either
type of Disadvantage, but Disadvantages that can be roleplayed and
can work themselves into an adventure story are much more interest-
ing than simple modifiers to difficulty numbers.
tage that can be easily worked around, no matter how potent, or that
actually helps the character on a regular basis is not a Disadvantage.
For example, if a character has an Advantage Flaw where he can’t use
his Advantage when the temperature is below 60, and the character
is always adventuring in places where the temperature is at least
that high, then it is not a Disadvantage. Check all Disadvantages
(and other character options, for that matter) with your gamemaster
and explain to him what you think they mean before you start play-
ing the game. That way, you can avoid this problem before it crops
up. Gamemasters who figure out the player was purposely trying
to break the system may take away the Disadvantage and an equal
amount of Advantages, Special Abilities, and maybe even Character
and Fate Points.
Achilles’ Heel (R3)
The character has a particular serious weakness. It is not something
that most other characters find especially dangerous or inconvenient,
 Chapter 2
but the character suffers severe modifiers to difficulties or even dam-
age when exposed to it. Some examples include:
Allergy: The character is strongly affected by reasonably common
things that she cannot always avoid. When exposed to the allergen, the
character must generate a Moderate Physique or stamina total (as an
action) or she takes 3D in damage. The character can resist the dam-
age through applicable defenses, but she has to generate the stamina
total as an action every round she is exposed to the allergen.
Cultural Allergy: The same as above, but there is some social
situation that causes the character to freeze (exposure to nudity,
the sight of soldiers, etc.) and lose all Critical Success rerolls until
the condition is gone.
Environmental Incompatibility: The character is sensitive
to something in the environment: an extreme of temperature, the
chemical content of rain water, a component of the atmosphere, or
something similar. Exposure to this without the proper protection
causes the character to take a -4 modifier to his damage resistance total
or a +1 modifier to all difficulties (which increases by +1 per minute
exposed) until the character is out of the harmful situation.
Example: Forests generally have a lot of mold from leaves rotting.
A character from a race that lives primarily near mountain tops may
find the airborne mold to be suffocating. He would have to devise
some sort of filter to walk through a forest without injury.
Metabolic Difference: The character needs more life support
(typically food) than “normal” and begins to take damage after hours
of malnutrition. For food, the character eats the equivalent of twice
• Page 18
as many meals per day as the average Human. For instance, the char-
acter must eat a meal every four hours or, every hour after the four
are up, the character lose one Body Point that cannot be recovered
except by eating. As another example, three times per day, a differ-
ent character may need to eat twice as much as a normal Human or
suffer a Stunned Wound level.
Nutritional Requirements: The character must ingest an ele-
ment not commonly consumed by Humans (blood, dead Human flesh,
etc.) to survive. Often, the character encounters prejudice because
of this, and she certainly develops physical problems if she fails to
consume this substance in a reasonable amount of time.
Rot: The character’s body is rotting. She periodically loses pieces
of herself (such as fingers or toes) and must pause to fuse them
back on (this is a simple action but takes a round to perform). The
character suffers no damage from this, but it should inconvenience
her. For instance, in combat, the character’s fingers might fall off,
causing her to drop her weapon — this makes an excellent Critical
Failure complication.
Vulnerability: A particular form of attack or interaction affects
the character much more severely than other characters. For example,
a character with a vulnerability to close combat weapons might “freeze
up” when he sees another character point a sword at him — making
the other character +5 to hit him (most likely during the first round
of combat only). Another character might automatically apply +10
to the difficulty of any attempts to resist another character’s bluff
attempts. (The less likely the situation is to occur, the greater the
difficulty modifier.)
Restrictions/Notes: The Achilles’ Heel should be very serious,
but not “instant death” for the character. There should always exist
some way to avoid it (not easily), or some chance that the character
can counter it. The more likely it affects the character, the less it actu-
ally should do. It’s equally possible that the Achilles’ Heel imposes
different modifiers under different circumstances.
Example: A character who has allergy to small airborne particles
might and suffer +3 to the difficulty of all actions when in a dusty
room or riding in a vehicle on a dirt track but +5 when in a desert.
Or, the character might suffer 3D in damage every time he’s in a
dusty place.
Achilles’ Heel (R4)
The character’s weakness is even more severe than the Rank 3
version of this Disadvantage. Some examples include:
Allergy: The same rules apply as for Allergy, save that the charac-
ter cannot perform any actions except running away while exposed
to the allergen.
Cultural Allergy: The same rules apply as for Cultural Allergy
(R3), save that not only does the character lose all Critical Success
rerolls if exposed to the specified social situations, she also is at +1
to all difficulties.
Environmental Incompatibility: The modifier to the damage
resistance total goes up, or the condition is more likely to occur, or
the modifier increases each round.
Rot: The character loses major parts of his body periodically due
to rotting (such as limbs) and must pause to replace them. Doing so
 Character Options
requires no skill total but does take three rounds to perform. The
trigger that causes this to take effect should occur no less frequently
than a Critical Failure.
Symbiosis: The character is bound symbiotically to another, draw-
ing strength or energy from her. Symbiosis can be either physical or
mental. For every 100 meters by which one character is separated
from the other, the character loses one pip (cumulative) to either
their physical attributes (Agility, Coordination, and Physique) or their
mental attributes (Intellect, Acumen, or Charisma). (Remember: three
pips equal one die.) If the character’s symbiote is killed, the character
loses 1D from the attributes affected until she can convince another
character to willingly bond with her (the bonding process should be
simple — like sharing blood — but participants must willingly want
it to happen). For an extra rank in this Disadvantage, the character
is bound both mentally and physically to another, and loses from
both sets of attributes if separated. For the separation to equally
affect the “host,” he must also have this version of the Achilles’ Heel
Disadvantage.
Restrictions/Notes: Additional ranks of the Achilles’ Heel Dis-
advantage indicate even more deadly situations. See Achilles’ Heel
(R3) for other notes.
Advantage Flaw (R1)
This Disadvantage is linked to a particular Advantage or set of
skills. Whenever the character uses it, there is some a chance for a
negative modifier or roleplaying disadvantage. Here are some examples
for certain Advantages and skills:
Contacts: The Contact helps the character, but he is either “annoy-
ing” about it or a “hard bargainer.” Where a normal Contact would
assist the character for an almost negligible fee, the Flawed Contact
will haggle and nag until “rewarded.” Some reason should exist why
the character would want to keep the contact happy.
Cultures: When the character gets hints or knowledge about a
culture, he knows everything except some sort of critical piece of
information. Or, if the character has the “sweeping knowledge” of lots
of cultures, his interpretations sometimes are almost totally wrong
(gamemaster option). In order to make this Flaw work, the character
should not find out about the error until it would be “interesting.”
Equipment: In most cases, some sort of minor mechanical
imperfection exists in the equipment that no normal means can fix.
For equipment that requires a skill total, gamemasters could either
add 3 to the difficulty of all actions using it, or, on a Critical Failure,
the equipment won’t work or malfunctions. For equipment that
wouldn’t normally require a skill total, occasional side effects could
happen or maybe it requires a periodic Moderate skill check of some
kind to keep operating.
Skills: If the character fails at the skill check with one of a set of
three related skills, she can’t reroll Critical Successes either until the
end of the scene or until she succeeds at the skill check.
Wealth or Funds: The character cannot access his wealth eas-
ily. Either it is tied up in red tape most of the time (especially if the
character has most of the money invested), or he has to go somewhere
to get it (such as having a fortune back East while adventuring in the
Wild West), or someone else (reasonably friendly) has control over
it and doesn’t always release it easily.
• Page 19
Restrictions/Notes: In general, at Rank 1, a flaw should not
debilitate a character or take away his Advantage on a regular basis
— but it should make it a little less of a sure thing.
Advantage Flaw (R2)
This Disadvantage works in exactly the same manner as Advantage
Flaw (R1), above, but with more serious results. If the Flaw came into
play occasionally (like every time the character visited a desert), it
now comes into play much more frequently (like when he is in any
dry environment). If the Flaw made things a little more difficult, then
the Flaw makes things a lot more difficult (the difficulty modifier
doubles from the Rank 1 version).
Restrictions/Notes: Having circumstances that effectively take
away the complete benefit of the Advantage is certainly within the
bounds of Advantage Flaw (R2), and those circumstances can occur
reasonably often (no more than during one quarter of a normal
adventure, however). They will force the player to roleplay and to
think about ways to get around the Flaw or to try other options,
rather than just relying on a particular Advantage, Special Ability,
or skill set.
Example: If a character has a set of skills with the Flaw that they
only work at night — a Rank 2 Flaw if only about a quarter of the
character’s normal adventuring occurs during the daytime — that
would force the character to rely on other abilities and his wits dur-
ing the daytime.
The rules for Advantage Flaw (R2) are otherwise the same as
Rank 1.
Advantage Flaw (R3)
This rank takes on some of the characteristics of an Achilles’ Heel
(R3), but more in direct relationship to an Advantage, an attribute,
or a large set of skills. The rules for the flaw are the same as for
Advantage Flaw (R2), but the effects are even more severe. Not only
does the character lose the benefits of the Advantage or attribute (or
undergoes a condition that essentially negates it), but he also suffers
an additional Disadvantage.
Example: Your character has this Disadvantage attached to her
Miracles attribute. You and the gamemaster decide that her religion
so focuses on peace and tranquility that clerics can’t use their miracu-
lous abilities while in or near stressful situations, such as arguments
or battles. Furthermore, if she must use her gifts then, she loses all
Critical Success rerolls for the rest of the scene.
Example: A character has Equipment (R3) — a really powerful
magical bow. But, whenever the character suffers a Critical Failure
using the weapon, the bow not only stops working, the character
experiences some sort of feedback at a moderate damage total
(maybe the weapon’s normal damage minus a specific amount). The
character then has to get the magic reactivated (either through the
use of a Price Disadvantage or by waiting until a major break in the
adventure’s action, most likely).
Some other examples:
Infection: Under certain circumstances, the character passes
along select abilities and characteristics to another character. The
character has an infection score of Physique +2D. (This is not a skill
 Chapter 2 • Page 20
and players may not raise it except by taking additional ranks in this fun with it. Game mechanics are seldom required, as good roleplaying
version of the Disadvantage.) can make things work here, but if they become necessary, add 3 to
The gamemaster and the player should determine how the char- the difficulty of intimidation and persuasion actions performed by the
acter spreads the infection. It could happen as the side effect of an character when his age would interfere (a young character trying to
attack, through physical contact, or through some other means. lead a group of experienced characters, or an older character trying
When the character performs the requisite action, he generates an to convince younger characters that he is “with it”). A character may
infection total (which does not count as a separate action). The target only have one version of Age.
generates a Physique or stamina total as well (which does not count as
an action). If the character’s infection total exceeds (not equals) the Age (R2)
target’s Physique or stamina total, the target is infected. The Disadvantage is the same, only more so. Instead of being a
An infection passes certain Special Abilities and Disadvantages teenager, the character is a preteen child. Instead of being just past
to the target (specified by the player and the gamemaster when the middle age, the character is old. The roleplaying situations are basi-
player gives the character this Disadvantage). It is possible for the cally the same, but the effects are more dramatic.
infection to pass on more ranks in Disadvantages than Special Abili-
Restrictions/Notes: An old character receives +1 to the difficulty
ties, but is not possible for it to pass more ranks in Special Abilities
of physical actions — those that rely on Agility, Coordination, and
than Disadvantages.
Physique — requiring unusual exertion (running, jumping, fighting,
Keep in mind that the infected character may well hate the char-
etc.). A young character adds 1 to the difficulty of all mental actions
acter responsible for his new state, so the infecting character may
— those that use Intellect, Acumen, or Charisma — when attempt-
have gained an Enemy. In fact, there should exist some overwhelming
ing to solve “adult” problems or interact with adults. Players should
reasons why this is actually bad for the infecting character — it is a
roleplay both versions true to type. Two Disadvantages suitable for
Disadvantage, after all.
association with this one include Reduced Attribute (especially for
Gamemasters who do not feel that the Enemy Disadvantage is
Age: Old) and Hindrance.
enough of a negative could also work in other sorts of Advantage
Characters may be “young” or “old” and not take this Disadvan-
Flaws as side effects of spreading the infection.
tage. Older characters in good shape have no problems jogging, lift-
For an extra rank in the Advantage Flaw: Infection Disadvantage,
ing, fighting, or whatever, and young, intelligent people can often
the infection die code increases to Physique+4D. Also, the penalties
interact and think just as well — if not better — than adults. This
for infecting another characters should be more severe — maybe the
Disadvantage addresses those characters, young and old, who can’t
character infected then knows things about the infecting character
keep up as easily.
that will give him an advantage over his enemy, or perhaps the infect-
ing character temporarily loses abilities or attribute pips.
Minor Stigma: There is something that the character cannot
do without performing the “proper rituals” before or after (a fighter
whose cult must “purify” him after killing someone; a wizard who
cannot use Magic without special equipment).
Stench: The character smells terrible due to one of his Advantages
or just because he exists. Add 6 to the difficulty of all stealth attempts,
as everyone can smell him coming. This also affects interaction
attempts, giving them at least a +1 to the difficulty.
Restrictions/Notes: Advantage Flaw (R3) takes a powerful
Advantage and turns it into a worse-than-useless Disadvantage for
a comparatively brief period of time. A single Advantage can have
more than one Advantage Flaw, and, if the character wants several
Flaws of various ranks, can link to one Advantage. See other ranks
of Advantage Flaw for more information and examples.

Age (R1)
The character is a teenager or just past middle age. And, since this
is a roleplaying game and not real life, he’ll stay that way. In general,
characters who are “too young” often have to roleplay through epi-
sodes where they are not taken seriously, where they are ignored, and
where they have less rights and control than older characters. Those
who are “too old” get treated in much the same way — characters in
their prime often defer to the character, but they also treat him as
if he were infirm or possibly senile.
Restrictions/Notes: In general, the gamemaster should try to
treat the character as if he were “too old” or “too young” and have
 Character Options
Bad Luck (R2)
The character is exceptionally unlucky. This Disadvantage is under
the gamemaster’s control most of the time. The easiest way to handle
it is, whenever the player rolls a Critical Failure but something bad
happens (in addition to taking away the highest die in the roll). The
gamemaster can choose from not allowing the player to reroll Critical
Successes until the end of the scene, the character loses an action
during the next round, or invoking some sort of strange but not too
terrible “bad luck effect.”
Example: A character with Bad Luck is running from a warlord
and his army, who he’s been fighting for some time. He tries to jump
across a chasm when the player rolls a Critical Failure on the dice.
Well, the character probably failed in the jumping attempt (so he falls),
but, instead of being able to grab for a lower ledge, the character’s
cloak gets caught on a hook. Now, the character has to free himself
before the soldiers come and shoot him full of arrows.
Restrictions/Notes: A character may take Bad Luck (R2) if he
already has the Good Luck or Great Luck Special Ability. The character
might even, on occasion, use the benefits of the Good Luck or Great
Luck Special Ability to get out of trouble or partially negate the effects
of Bad Luck (R2) — that’s the way it works. Also, the gamemaster
should remember that the character has Bad Luck (R2) — not the
player. If the player gets into a consistent “streak” of rolling Critical
Failures on the dice, then the gamemaster should start “skipping” the
invocation of Bad Luck (R2) occasionally — more than three or four
occurrences of Bad Luck (R2) during an adventure is a little much.
Bad Luck (R3)
The rules for this Disadvantage are the same as for Bad Luck (R2).
However, a Critical Failure or a total equal to one more than the die
code of the skill or attribute causes Bad Luck (R3) to activate. (For
example, if the character has 5D in a skill and rolls a total of 6 on
the dice — which is one more than the die code in the skill — the
Disadvantage comes into play.) The effects are exactly the same, only
the gamemaster might make the setbacks more uncomfortable.
Restrictions/Notes: See Bad Luck (R2).
Bad Luck (R4)
The same as Bad Luck (R2) and Bad Luck (R3), but the character
suffers the effects on a Critical Failure or a total equal to or less than
two more than the die code of the skill or attribute. (So, if the character
with a skill of 5D rolls a 6 or 7, then the Disadvantage is activated.)
The minimum effect is that the character loses her actions on the
round and probably something disastrous happens.
Restrictions/Notes: See Bad Luck (R2) and Bad Luck (R3). Since
Bad Luck (R3) can have such devastating effects, the gamemaster
might want to overrule occurrences of it. For example, if, during a
standard scene of an adventure, a character is trying to persuade a
shopkeeper to sell him an item at a better price, he might roll a low
total on the dice. The gamemaster could have something disastrous
happen — the shopkeeper keels over with a heart attack just as the
chief of the city watch walks in and the character is suddenly sus-
pected of murder — but does it serve any purpose in the adventure?
Possibly, but if it doesn’t, save it until later. Then, when the character
is at the climax of the adventure and he doesn’t roll a disastrously
• Page 21
Wild Luck
The character has the weirdest luck. To simulate this, the
player takes for his character an equal number of points (not
ranks) in the Bad Luck Disadvantage and in any version of the
Luck Special Ability. In situations where the Bad Luck could be
triggered or Luck could be activated, the gamemaster rolls a
six-sided die. On an odd number, the Bad Luck occurs. On an
even number, the Luck Special Ability happens (and the player
may choose which Luck benefit his character gets).
low total — but the gamemaster feels a “dose of bad luck” would
improve the story — he can use that as an excuse. Players should
understand that Bad Luck is arbitrary and will often occur at the
worst possible moment.
Burn-out (R1 or more)
Under a certain set of proscribed circumstances, the Advantage
goes away — permanently. The player and the gamemaster should
work out the circumstances, with the following criteria:
1. The Burn-out should have a chance of occurring about once or
twice an adventure.
2. The Burn-out should be something the character can avoid
— but she might not want to avoid it.
3. A logical reason for the Burn-out to occur should exist.
4. Both the player and the gamemaster operate under the knowl-
edge that the Burn-out will occur at some point.
Some examples of when a Burn-out could occur include:
• An opponent soundly defeats the character in an adventure.
• The character completes a particular quest of great importance
(this would probably only happen after several adventures but is
something the character wants to complete for some reason).
• The character suffers a particular effect (she loses most of her
Body Points or Wounds, she is the victim of a particular type of
uncommon attack, etc.).
• A character’s Advantage is somehow negated (a Contact who has
a good chance of being killed, a piece of Equipment that someone is
trying to steal or destroy, etc.).
This Disadvantage is worth a number of ranks equal to one-half
(rounded up) of the Advantage with which it’s associated.
Restrictions/Notes: Any Advantage could have the possibility of
Burn-out. Just think of a logical (or, perhaps, supernatural) reason
an Advantage would go away. There should exist a decent chance
that it could go away, but the character should have some chance of
avoiding that occurrence … for a while.
Cultural Unfamiliarity (R1)
The character is not from the “mainstream” culture of the society
he spends the most time in. The player should decide on the character’s
native kingdom, which is somewhere with a different culture than
the one he is normally in. For instance, a Dwarf character might be
in a setting where Dwarves and Humans generally get along. How-
 Chapter 2
ever, because Dwarves and Humans have different, there might be
the occasional “cultural clashes.” Bigots might get in the way of the
character, and the character might not always “know” things about
the setting that natives would automatically understand. The char-
acter is an outsider.
Restrictions/Notes: At the worst, gamemasters can treat the
Disadvantage like Prejudice (R1), but, most often, the character is
just unfamiliar with aspects of the mainstream. Characters cannot
usually take this Disadvantage more than once.
Cultural Unfamiliarity (R2)
The character is of a culture almost totally different from the “main-
stream” he operates in. The character should constantly make mistakes
and social gaffs. All attempts at streetwise or similar “getting around
town” skills should have +6 to the difficulty (at least). In addition, the
character should probably have trouble with the native language (he
could even take the Disadvantage Language Problems).
Restrictions/Notes: The rules are the same as for Cultural
Unfamiliarity (R1).
Cultural Unfamiliarity (R3)
The character is, in all respects, an alien. He’s probably from
another region with a completely different culture, or whatever fits
the game setting. Regardless, he just doesn’t fit in (socially, and, most
likely, physically). Otherwise, this Disadvantage works exactly the
same way as the other rank versions.
Restrictions/Notes: See Cultural Unfamiliarity (R1).
Debt (R1)
The character owes money, or something else valuable, to someone.
In most cases, some sort of lending institution or credit house exists,
and the payments aren’t too arduous. The character just has a harder
time getting credit and has to turn over a substantial amount of any
profits he makes on an adventure to the lender.
Restrictions/Notes: Players should take this Disadvantage if
they intend for their characters to live up to it. The character should
have a reason he doesn’t want to default on the debt, which the player
works out beforehand. Also, Debt (any rank) with Enemy (any rank)
can be an interesting combination — maybe the character is in deep
to a loan shark or a manipulative and unscrupulous lender.
A character may have this Disadvantage with the Advantage Wealth
(any rank), as long as there is some reason it can’t be just paid off. A
character with Wealth (R3) (phenomenal resources) might be stuck
in a contract where he has to turn over the profits of any adventure
to someone, for example — he still has his wealth, but he has to
cough up all the little neat things and rewards he gets at the end of
the adventure (or the character has to persuade the lender/contract
holder to let him keep them).
Debt (R2)
The character owes a lot of money (or something else valuable) to
someone dangerous, or the results of owing this debt are dangerous.
For instance, the character could owe his life to a really strange old
wizard, and, every time that person needs a favor (usually going off
• Page 22
somewhere dangerous and doing something suicidal), the character
has to drop everything and go.
Restrictions/Notes: The rules are the same as for Debt (R1).
Debt (R3)
The character owes almost everything to someone or something. In
the case of worldly goods, the character must turn over nearly every-
thing to the “lender” at the end of an adventure — the character must
“borrow” these things back at the beginning of the next adventure ...
and it is up to the gamemaster what the “lender” gives back.
In most cases, this means the character is either Employed or
under some similar sort of restriction.
Example: Your character might belong to a particularly strict
cult or religion. She has to tithe all worldly goods (or, at least, a
large portion of worldly goods) to the cult after every adventure. If
she does not, she would be cast out — a fate she would not enjoy
— or even hunted and killed. At the beginning of each adventure,
the character must beg and persuade whoever is in charge to let her
have any goods she needs.
Restrictions/Notes: Debt (R3) is so wide-sweeping that play-
ers may not usually combine in it with the lower versions or link to
individual Advantages unless the player and the gamemaster are
particularly inventive. A character with Debt (R3) might “owe” the
possession of a Rank 3 or Rank 4 Advantage to a particular source (a
character might have receive Equipment from a supernatural source)
and have to pay some sort of tithe (a sacrifice, all the money the
character obtains, etc.) to get the use of the Advantage.
Devotion (R1)
The character feels compelled to take certain actions out of love,
code of honor, or perceived duty to something or someone else. The
character may, at times, do things he finds morally questionable in
order to achieve a greater good. With Devotion (R1), the character’s
beliefs do not come into play very often.
Devotion (R2)
The character with the Devotion (R2) Disadvantage believes very
strongly in something and will attempt to persuade others of the
truth of his beliefs. His patriotism or loyalty to an ideal plays a role
in his day-to-day life.
Devotion (R3)
At this rank, the character’s belief in the cause motivates almost
all his actions. The character would willingly die for her belief. Addi-
tionally, her duties to the object of her devotion increase.
Employed (R1)
The character has a job, an apprenticeship, ties to a religious order,
fealty ties, or other social bonds that request frequent attention. He
may need to perform certain deeds, rituals, or prayers on a monthly
or daily basis to stay connected to his employer (and generally receive
benefits thereof). The more complex the requirements, the less often
they need be done. Maybe the job relates to what the character wants
to do during adventures, or maybe not. Regardless, the character
 Character Options
wants to keep her job (or has to, for some reason), and she must take
responsibility for missing work and fulfilling her obligations.
Restrictions/Notes: The player and the gamemaster might have
to work to roleplay this, but an occasional conflict should arise between
what the character wants to do and what she has to do. The character
might even have to keep some activities secret or lose her job.
Some examples include a bard attached to a household; a monk
who must regularly check in with his religious order; mercenary or
bounty hunter under contract; bodyguard; and city watch. The less
freedom the character has in making decisions during the adventure
and what she wants to do during her working hours (and perhaps
even her spare time), the greater the rank in Employed.
Employed (R2)
The character works for someone, or something, that pretty
much runs his life. When he goes on adventures, he either has to
go through lots of red tape to get permission, or it’s because he was
assigned the mission. As a result, the character has little free will
regarding what he does or how he does it, and he should come into
conflict with his employer on occasion. Also, since the character is
an employee, if he is on a mission, he usually has to turn over his
share of the loot for corporate disposal — he’ll get something out
of it, certainly, but not a full share.
Restrictions/Notes: The rules are the same as for Employed (R1).
Just make sure that “the job” is fairly inconvenient for the charac-
ter, but there are reasons he doesn’t quit. Maybe he has the Wealth
Advantage only so long as he has the Employed (R2) Disadvantage
— that would be a good way of tying in the Disadvantage.
• Page 23
Employed (R3)
The character is, for all intents and purposes, a slave. This does
not mean the character is poor or without means — just without free
choice. The character does virtually everything because he must. For
example, a character might be the head of a large guild. But the only
way things get done is for the character to do them or be there to
oversee their getting done. Adventures only occur when they are in
direct concordance with the interests of the “employer.” In all other
ways, this Disadvantage is like its lower rank versions.
Restrictions/Notes: See Employed under the other ranks.
Enemy (R1)
An individual or group has it in for the character. An Enemy who is
a single person of power and influence no greater than the character
might actually want the character dead. An Enemy (R1) of power and
influence greater than the character simply wants to hassle the char-
acter for some reason. Maybe in the town the character operates, the
law enforcement authorities have his name and picture on file — and
they’ll use any excuse to run him in or hassle him because they think
of him as a troublemaker. Or, perhaps, the character’s evil stepfather
throws everything out on the street if he’s one minute late with the
rent, or the character’s liege always assigns him the most boring or
most dangerous missions. The Enemy does not have to have a posi-
tion in the character’s life — he can just be someone who, for some
reason known to the gamemaster (and probably the player, but not
always the character), has a grudge against the character.
Restrictions/Notes: There is no reason a player can’t use this
Disadvantage similarly to an Advantage Flaw or as a complement
to other Disadvantages or even Advantages. Maybe a character’s
Contact is sweet and helpful (a noblewoman in the court who tells
the character a little more about the mission he’s been assigned), but
someone who influences the Contact is an Enemy (the noblewoman’s
advisor who has been trying to seduce her and resents the fact that
she likes the character better) and sometimes makes it hard for the
contact to help. Enemy (R1) characters should either show up only
occasionally (maybe once during an adventure), or they should be
minor annoyances that can only be a real problem if the character
doesn’t deal with them when they show up. Multiple Enemies of
various ranks can be selected (just don’t go overboard).
Enemy (R2)
The rules are the same as for Enemy (R1), only the character is more
powerful, more annoying, and/or more a part of the character’s life.
Restrictions/Notes: It should be mentioned that killing the
Enemy or running away should not get rid of the Disadvantage
— at least not easily. At the very least, the character should have
to go though a few adventures to “remove” the Enemy from his life.
Usually, the character has to deal with the Enemy for quite a long
time. Multiple Enemies can, of course, be selected.
Enemy (R3)
Again, the rules are the same as for Enemy (R1) and Enemy (R2).
Most likely, a group of people or a very powerful person hounds the
character, wishing to kill or otherwise remove the character from
 Chapter 2
the game setting. They often hurt people she knows and do vile
deeds just because the character won’t like them. The Enemy (R3)
should get involved in, directly or indirectly, most adventures the
character goes on. Just about everything bad that happens to the
character would please the Enemy — and he is probably responsible
for a lot of them.
Restrictions/Notes: Enemy (R3) is a very powerful, and very
important, Disadvantage. Many beginning gamemasters might not
want to go to the trouble of creating and constantly maintaining a villain
or group of villains relating to the character — but others will enjoy it.
Talk to your gamemaster about this option before you select it.
Hindrance (R1 or more)
The character has a minor physical or mental handicap that
makes certain actions more difficult. The Hindrance could
be a permanent physical injury, a particular mental block
regarding certain types of activities, a limitation innate to
the character’s race, or the result of age.
The player and the gamemaster should work out some sort
of affliction and then choose a group of related skills that get
difficulty modifiers totaling +3. Some examples of sets of three
skills getting a +1 modifier to the difficulty of each include:
Bad Knee: acrobatics, jumping, running
Gruffness or Arrogance: bluff, charm, persuasion
Trick Shoulder: climbing, melee combat, throwing
Uncoordinated: acrobatics, melee combat, sleight of hand
Unobservant: investigation, speaking, search
The players may use this Disadvantage to restrict one form
of their characters’ movement. A two-meter reduction in one
form of movement (running, swimming, jumping, or climbing)
is equivalent to a +1 difficulty modifier, so a player could take a
small movement restriction along with difficulty modifiers to skills.
The minimum movement rate for a character is one meter.
Characters with a native environment requiring an alternative
means of movement other than walking (such as swimming or bur-
rowing) may take one rank of Hindrance: Atypical Move to represent
the inability to walk or jump. Instead, the character uses his base
Move to represent his base swimming or burrowing Move. Thus, a
water-dwelling character without legs and with this type of Hindrance
would have a swimming Move of 10 (instead of 5), could not walk,
and would be limited in the kind of jumping he could perform.
Players who wish to reduce their characters’ damage resistance
total (to represent delicate physical natures) may take a -1 modifier
to that total for each rank in this Disadvantage.
Restrictions/Notes: Players may use specializations — with
gamemaster approval. Three specializations that the gamemaster
thinks the player might have to use reasonably often (like investi-
gation: find clues or marksmanship: bows) could substitute for one
general skill. Hindrance (R1) can be selected several times, as long
as the gamemaster thinks it appropriate. Since it is very much the
counterpart to the Skill Bonus Special Ability, additional restrictions
and notes can be related to the ones found there.
Each additional rank in Hindrance increases the total difficulty
modifier by +3, which may affect the few skills in a Rank 1 group, or
can increase the number of skills covered by the Hindrance.
• Page 24
Infamy (R1)
The character is about as well known as a character with Fame
(R1), but for different reasons. The odds of being recognized are the
same as for Fame (R1), but the reaction is quite different. The char-
acter experiences hostility, prejudice, and intentional slights — in
game mechanic terms, the character should have the difficulty of all
interactions increased by at least +3.
Restrictions/Notes: There is a reason for this negative atten-
tion. Either the character did something, is accused of having done
something, or is suspected of having done something not particularly
pleasant, or the character has, through other strange circumstances,
earned a “bad rep.” Sometimes, this Infamy will help the character
— but it shouldn’t help too much. If the character has a combi-
nation of Fame and Infamy (by selecting both options), then
maybe he’s earned a reputation like Robin Hood — certain
people would look up to him or respect him, and there would
be definite fear there most of the time, but there would also
be a lot of people who would enjoy seeing the person leave or
die. Of course, Infamy (R1) should be something minor — maybe
the character is a former criminal, or he did something questionable
in the past and was cleared. People are not overtly hostile, but they
are unfriendly when they recognize him. Several ranks of Infamy
can only be selected if the character is infamous for multiple reasons
— but the effects should be cumulative, and this can only be done
if the gamemaster thinks it is appropriate. A character with Infamy
(R3) would hardly have to worry about Infamy (R1) in most cases,
so it would not be a proper combination.
Infamy (R2)
The character is, most likely, wanted for a crime of a fairly serious
nature, or he did something (or is thought to have done something)
in the past that makes him hated and reviled by most people.
The rules are essentially the same as for Infamy (R1) and the
recognition chances are similar to Fame (R2), but the modifier
to interactions usually should be at least +6.
Restrictions/Notes: As stated under Infamy (R1), unless com-
bined with Fame, this Disadvantage only allows for the negative
aspects of notoriety. A character who has Infamy (R2) would be
considered by nearly everyone (but not everyone) to be “scum” and
someone who “deserves no better than he gets.” When combined
with an equal or higher rank of Fame, there is often that “fear and
respect” option — many characters will still try to betray or hurt the
character in some way, but most won’t be that open about it.
Infamy (R3)
The character has trouble going out in public because a lot of
people hate her to the point of violence. Chances are good that, if
she fails an interaction (with a +9 to the difficulty), the other person
will drive her away. The player could select Enemy (R1) in addition to
this Disadvantage to reflect those hunting her. However, the char-
acter could use disguises and avoid populated areas. Most likely, the
character has to move around until she can “live down” her infamy
(if ever) or until she dies.
Restrictions/Notes: See Infamy (R1) and Infamy (R2).
 Character Options
Language Problems (R2)
The character does not understand the language of the area she
spends most of her time in. She must learn skill pips in the specializa-
tion speaking: (local language). Otherwise, she receives a +6 difficulty
modifiers in addition to any other modifiers for what she’s attempting
to convey or understand.
Restrictions/Notes: The character cannot begin the game with
more than one pip in speaking: (local language), but she may improve
the skill at +2 to the cost. However, the character should speak another
language in the game setting fluently.
Learning Problems (R1 or more)
When the character attempts to learn a new skill, or improve
an old one, he does so at +2 per rank to the Character Point cost.
Alternatively, the character can only learn or improve a skill if she
attempts it and fails. A character should have to fail with a single
skill at least three times per adventure before being allowed to learn
or improve the skill.
This Disadvantage is associated with a single attribute, and it
applies to specializations. There should be some sort of reason for
this in the character’s background, such as difficulty reading or a
lack of education.
Restrictions/Notes: This is the counterpart to the Quick Study
Special Ability, and it should be treated in much the same way. This
Disadvantage can be taken multiple times, either for the same attribute
(with a cumulative increase in skill cost) or for different attributes.
Poverty (R1)
Since characters who adventure tend to accumulate wealth, this
Disadvantage is only available at Rank 1. The character begins the
game with the shirt on his back and, maybe, a few pieces of cheap and
substandard equipment. The character should also have the attitude of
someone who is “poor,” whatever that might be in the game setting.
If using Funds as an attribute, this Disadvantage subtracts 10
from relevant totals.
Restrictions/Notes: As an excellent combination, this Disad-
vantage could be selected with Debt or Price to make the situation
more realistic. Poverty can only be selected once.
• Page 25
Prejudice (R2)
The minority group the character belongs to is oppressed. The
character experiences disparity virtually every day. While other
characters of the same minority group may not actually experience
this prejudice (that is, they didn’t select this option), it is probably
because they aren’t in positions where this discrimination can be
easily practiced.
Restrictions/Notes: The character often experiences discrimi-
nation, and most interactions are performed at a +3 to +6 to the
difficulty. This prejudice should be roleplayed at every opportunity.
However, gamemasters and players should only use this Disadvantage
when both sides are comfortable with using it in a pretend situation
(see Prejudice (R1) for more information).
Price (R1)
This is a Disadvantage similar to Advantage Flaw. But, instead of
there being something wrong with the character’s Advantage or a set
of three related skills, there is a “price tag” attached. Every time the
character wants to use the ability, he has to pay a Price at least a few
times during the adventure to continue using the ability.
The Price might be an actual fee — and a significant one at that.
If the fee isn’t paid, the Advantage goes away until the price can be
paid. But this won’t work for many Advantages (at least not in an
interesting manner), so there are other ways to do it.
Most likely, the Price will be a roleplaying effect. Maybe every
time a Contact does a favor for a character, he not only demands the
normal, negotiated recompense (if any), but the character must do
a favor of equal importance for the character. Or, whenever a piece

Prejudice (R1)
The character is of a minority group — or maybe it is just the
character himself — that is subject to prejudice and discrimination.
The character receives modifiers (from +2 to +4) to difficulties during
normal interaction with characters not of the minority group, and is
generally treated unfairly by society. The group the character belongs
to, or the reason he is discriminated against, should be identified
when the character gets this Disadvantage, and the player should
know how he can expect to be treated in most cases.
Restrictions/Notes: The gamemaster has to be careful with this
one. It is hard to roleplay a prejudice without getting too carried
away and being offensive to someone. When used in a setting where
there are many different intelligent races, however, it can be quite
interesting — especially if there are several characters in the group
who are prejudiced against.
 Chapter 2 • Page 26
of Equipment is used, parts of it need replacing or servicing by a
specialist (who may charge a high fee or ask a favor), most likely
after the adventure.
One more suggestion for Price (R1) would be that the character
has to pay one Fate Point or three Character Points at the end of an
adventure where the Advantage or skills were relied upon, to “pay
for” the usage. This reflects the fact that the use of the Advantage
takes something out of the character when it is used.
Restrictions/Notes: The Price should be fairly easy to meet,
but it should take some work. At this rank, it should be something
that the character can roleplay along with an adventure or resolve
between short adventures or parts of longer adventures (like paying
off the recipient of the Price). However, if the character does not pay
the Price, the Advantage does go away — and, if (in the gamemaster’s
opinion) the character does this too often, both the Advantage and
the Price should go away permanently. Price can be taken often at
various ranks, and the same Price can be linked to more than one
Advantage — though, unless the Price is actually double (the char-
acter has to pay the same price twice as often), it only counts as one
Disadvantage.

Price (R2)
The Price for using a particular Advantage, or group of Advantages
or set of three related skills, is much higher than mentioned in Rank
1, but the rules are the same. Contacts will be extremely hard to pay
off or do favors for — maybe an entire short adventure has to be
devoted to paying back a contact who helped out.
Optionally, paying two Fate Points or six Character Points at the
end of an adventure where the Advantage was used is a quick way
of paying the price.
Restrictions/Notes: See Price (R1).
Quirk (R1)
The character suffers from a personality quirk that makes certain
types of roleplaying and interaction more difficult. This quirk could
simply be a habit or an mannerism that has gone too far, or it could
be a minor psychological problem. Some examples include:
Dependency: The character has a slight dependency on a sub-
stance or even a roleplaying event. The character might be a heavy
pipe smoker who, if he doesn’t smoke at least once every few hours
of game time, gets irritable and loses Critical Success rerolls during
interactions. Or maybe the character always has to have the last word
in any situation and will often beat an argument into the ground
rather than “lose.”
Kleptomania: When in a store or surrounded by small, portable
items, the character will occasionally try to “lift” something. When
possessed by his Quirk (see rules below), the character suffers +3
to the difficulty of sleight of hand, lockpicking, or related attempts at
theft because he really doesn’t know he’s doing it.
Indecision: The character does not like making decisions and
will delay making them. When roleplaying, the player should actively
participate in group discussions, but he should be wishy-washy and
indecisive at critical moments.
Stutter: When under pressure, relaxed, nervous (such as failing
a skill roll), or some other fairly common “mood” hits the character,
he stutters. The upshot is the character suffers +3 to the difficulty of
any interaction at this time, and the player should roleplay having
a hard time getting his ideas across to the other players. This lasts
until the player rolls a Critical Success.
Restrictions/Notes: Good roleplayers will have fun with these,
and other, Quirks that they come up with. Indeed, this Disadvantage is
often more fun to play than many Advantages — but the gamemaster
should make certain it is being roleplayed. Whenever the gamemaster
thinks it appropriate, he should make the player generate a mettle
or Charisma total against a base Moderate difficulty to “indulge” in
his Quirk automatically (that is, “suffer” for it). The negative effects
of the Quirk immediately come into play. Also, if the character
repeatedly makes this roll, resisting the impulses of the Quirk, the
gamemaster should start modifying the difficulty upwards until the
character fails. Multiple Quirks can be selected.
The gamemaster may allow multiple inclusions of the same version
of this Disadvantage, with all modifiers cumulative and an increase
by +5 per inclusion to the mettle difficulty.
Additional Note: Some players may choose to have their charac-
ters roleplay Quirks they already have or might like to play. Sometimes
this works, sometimes it doesn’t. It can be hysterical to have a player
“steal” dice out from under another player’s nose (symbolizing the
fact that the character is taking necessary items away from the other
player’s character) as long as things don’t go too far ... that is, when
people start getting upset). However, players who are “indecisive”
should not play characters who are indecisive — since they would be
anyway. This is too much like getting a Disadvantage for nothing.
 Character Options
Quirk (R2)
The rules for Quirk (R2) are the same as for Quirk (R1), only the
chance of occurrence is much greater and the effects are larger.
Dependency: The character needs to fulfill his dependency much
more often (once a scene, perhaps). The character also experiences
one automatic Critical Failure per scene that he doesn’t (a smoker
might have a coughing fit in the middle of a tense negotiation or
during a stealth attempt, for example).
Secret: There’s something about the character that she needs
to hide. If it were discovered, it would put her friends, family, and
even her own life at risk. This could be a civilian identity (if she has
a heroic alter ego) or a skeleton in the closet.
Restrictions/Notes: The difficulty of resisting the “impulse” is
now Difficult, but all other rules are the same as under Quirk (R1).
Quirk (R3)
These “personality quirks” are much more serious. The character
might be a junkie, a psychotic with a certain type of behavior, or has
a severe phobia (he’s deathly afraid of something). Some examples:
Dependency: The character is a junkie, always after a “fix.” The
“fix” might be an illegal substance, or a perfectly normal one, or even
a type of roleplaying interaction (maybe the character has to try to
come as close to dying as he can).
Paranoid: The character trusts no one. He receives a +6 to the
bonus number when trying to resist bluff attempts, but he also
receives this “bonus” when trying to be persuaded — and he
must be persuaded before he’ll help even his closest friends.
“Everyone is out to get him.”
Phobic: The character is deathly afraid of something.
It could be heights, open spaces, spiders, or another person
(such as an authority figure or one with whom he has frightening
memories). Unless the character makes his mettle roll (below), he
dissolves into terror.
Vengeful: The character cannot stand to “lose” or be “wronged.”
If the character perceives himself as looking foolish (or whatever),
she will go to great lengths to get even (in reality, the character prob-
ably takes it too far).
Restrictions/Notes: The character has a Very Difficult Charisma
or mettle roll to make to overcome the Quirk — at the least. If, in
the gamemaster’s judgment, there is a reason the character should
have modifiers to the difficulty, then he will. Players who don’t want
to play a character who can frequently lose control should avoid this
option. Other rules are the same as under Quirk (R1)
Reduced Attribute (R2 or more)
Something about the character’s species, age, physical condition, or
some other factor has permanently reduced one attribute by one pip
per rank. The character may not reduce the attribute die code below
1D, and the attribute die code may never be increased by spending
Character Points (though gaining a Special Ability would help).
Restrictions/Notes: With the exception of permanently restrict-
ing access to an Extranormal attribute, a player may not give a character
this Disadvantage at character creation.
• Page 27
Only one rank may be taken with an Extranormal attribute of 0D,
and the character’s species must be required to take at least 1D in
the affected attribute. Characters who have this Disadvantage on an
Extranormal attribute before having any die code in that attribute
may never take that Extranormal attribute.
The reduction in die code increases by one pip for each additional
rank taken in this Disadvantage. (Remember that three pips equal
one die.) The character may have different variations on this Disad-
vantage for each attribute, including Extranormal attributes, such as
Magic or Miracles.
Advantages
Authority (R1)
The character has some measure of power over other people in
his region. The scope of the character’s rank, duties, and power in his
local jurisdiction dictate the rank in this Advantage. An Authority (R1)
Advantage might belong to someone who, because of circumstance,
does not have a lot of opportunity to use his authority or someone
who is very low in rank.
Law Enforcement is one version of this Advantage that gives adven-
turers some measure of abilities associated with being a deputized
agent of the law. Authority: Law Enforcement (R1) means the character
can carry a weapon and has limited authority to enforce the
law. Mercenaries, bounty hunters, and bail bondsmen might
need this Advantage in certain settings.
Restrictions/Notes: It is not necessary to have the
Authority: Law Enforcement Advantage to own a weapon
in those regions that allow ordinary citizens to own them.
However, if owning a weapon is illegal in a country and limited
to deputized officials, then this version of the Advantage would
be necessary.
Remember, too, that outside of the character’s jurisdiction or
permit limits, this Advantage may have little or no value.
Authority (R2)
Same as Authority (R1), but the character has more influence,
possibly commanding a small number of troops or being in charge
of a small company or town. With Authority: Law Enforcement (R2),
the character is actually part of the city watch or royal guard and is
allowed to make full arrests and search and seizures.
Restrictions/Notes: See Authority (R1) for more information.
Authority (R3)
Same as Authority (R1), except that the character has a great deal
of power and influence. The head of a large guild or someone whose
authority is simply never questioned would have this Advantage.
With Authority: Law Enforcement (R3), the character
could be a high-ranking officer in the watch or army,
having authority over those with Rank 2 of this
Advantage.
Restrictions/Notes: Higher levels of Authority
indicate a wider sphere of influence, such as a large
region, an alliance of kingdoms, or an empire. Oth-
erwise, see Authority (R1) for more information.
 Chapter 2
Contacts (R1)
The character “knows somebody” or a group of somebodies who
will generally help out the character if he makes a decent appeal or
sufficiently compensates the contact. This level of contact only sticks
around for a limited amount of time (part of an adventure or maybe
throughout a short adventure).
The character might know a “group” with a wider range of influ-
ence (but less power) that will help out, again, for a modest fee or
under the right circumstances. The influence might not be as direct,
but it is easier to come by. For instance, there might be a widespread
religious group that will provide food or shelter for a small donation
(much lower than getting such things at an inn). They won’t do much
about that a raging giant chasing you, but they can be of immense
help under the right circumstances.
Restrictions/Notes: Contacts should not automatically help
the character, but they should be reasonable in their negotiations.
Multiple contacts of various ranks may be selected and they may be
stacked. For instance, a certain person might be a Contact (R1) in
most circumstances, but he could be a Contact (R2) or even a Contact
(R3) in the right place — such as a mercenary who might help out for
a fee versus normal foes, but when fighting his “hereditary enemies,”
he might be almost invincible and eager to help.
Remember that contacts are gamemaster’s characters. They should
be created and played rationally. If a player refuses to roleplay or
takes advantage of contacts, he should be penalized when trying to
use them (and possibly lose them). There should also be a reason in
the character’s story why he has these contacts.
Contacts, Patrons, Enemies
In fantasy settings, family and employment often exist
as important aspects of a character’s life. Contacts, Patrons,
and Enemies can represent not only people the character
knows, but also people that the character is related to by
blood, marriage, apprenticeship, or fostering.
Furthermore, having friends in high places often means
the character attracts the attention of the friends’ friends
... and enemies. Players willing to roleplay long, associative
networks may add lower-level Contacts in exchange for an
equivalent number of Ranks in one or more Enemies. The
player must purchase one Contact or Patron of Rank 2 or
greater. All additional Contacts and Enemies must have an
association with that primary Contact or Patron. As long as
the total number of Ranks in the additional Contacts equals
the total number of Ranks in the Enemies, the Enemies do
not count toward the Disadvantage maximum.
Example: A player decides to have a Rank 3 Patron. The
player may then add any number of Rank 1 or 2 Contacts as
long as she adds an equal number of Enemies. If she chose to
add three Rank 1 Contacts (well-placed personal assistants to
the Patron), the player would have to think of three Rank 1
Enemies, or one Rank 1 and one Rank 2 Enemy, or one Rank
3 Enemy that this Patron has.
• Page 28
Contacts (R2)
This Advantage is identical to Contacts (R1), except the contact
is more powerful, more influential, easier to get hold of, willing to
do more favors, or affects the game on a larger scale.
If the contact is supposed to be a large group, it now has much
greater influence over a wider area. For instance, instead of having
the religious group as a contact, the character might be able to call
on occasionally the aid of servants of the lord of a region.
Restrictions/Notes: Under no circumstances should any contact,
regardless of rank number, make roleplaying and thinking superflu-
ous. Contacts are totally under the control of the gamemaster. Even
powerful and influential contacts from this rank should be kept under
a tight rein. See Contacts (R1) for more information.
Contacts (R3)
The contact or contacts chosen should be nearly supernormal,
supernatural, or uncanny in origin. For instance, a character’s Contact
(R3) might be a “thieves’ guild” with cells in every city — and the
members can turn up at the oddest moments.
Work with the gamemaster to come up with some interesting
contacts. It might be a group of highly spiritual monks who can be
called upon for “mystical aid” — or maybe a really complete occult
library.
Restrictions/Notes: Again, as with Contacts (R1) and (R2),
don’t let the contacts take over the game — and don’t let the player’s
character abuse them. Contacts are gamemaster controlled, but they
will usually only be brought into play at the character’s request.
Contacts (R4)
There is some sort of strange “force” that “watches over” and
occasionally helps the character. In many ways, this Advantage is
not as useful in most adventure situations as the other versions of
Contacts, but it can have dramatic effects on occasion.
Some examples of this include a particularly powerful gamemaster
character who steps in occasionally to help the character when he’s
in trouble. Or, a widespread secret society might, for some reason,
want to step in and aid the character at times.
Generally, the character can get minor assistance — as could be
gotten from Contacts (R1) or Contacts (R2) — on a fairly regular
basis — and under the same sort of circumstances as having lower
versions of Contacts — but “the big stuff” only happens when the
gamemaster thinks it appropriate. The character might get killed
before the Contacts (R4) intervenes — maybe the character just
wasn’t doing something the contact felt was important to it — but,
most likely, assistance will be provided.
Restrictions/Notes: Players’ characters should take this option
only if they want to take Disadvantages relating to it. For example,
if a character wants to have a group of wizards who like him and
will supply him with substantial aid on a regular basis (like a knight
who’s outfitted with new weapons and armor at the beginning of
every adventure and who can call for more during certain times in
the adventure), then he should take Disadvantages that relate to
that. The character could be a member of an organization (see the
Disadvantage Employed), or he must do reciprocating favors for the
wizards (see the Disadvantage Price), or there are equally powerful
 Character Options • Page 29
people who want to eliminate him because of his contacts (see the
Disadvantage Enemy).
If the character does not want to take extensive Disadvantages
relating to the contact, then Contacts (R4) should be unpredictable
and not always useful. For example, the wizards might provide the
character with plenty of magical equipment, but it might not always be
what the character needs or might not work correctly all of the time.

Cultures (R1)
This is another Advantage that can be utilized in more than one
way. The first way is the simplest. The character has knowledge of
a particular (usually unusual) culture that he can use to his benefit
when among people of that culture. This gives a bonus (usually +1)
to interactions in that culture and uses of the cultures skill to recall
details of the society.
Example: A character might have Cultures (R1) pertaining to a
certain type of intelligent monster. When the character goes on an
adventure in monsters’ territory, chances are good he will get help
from those monsters in his activities instead of being attacked as a
stranger or trespasser and ending up with his head in the stew.
Restrictions/Notes: A character with Cultures (R1) has about the
level of knowledge of a frequent tourist — no more. Unless the char-
acter has skills like streetwise, speaking, and other supporting skills,
he acts as if he has visited the culture and learned a decent amount
about their ways, but he is definitely an outsider. This Advantage
may be taken more than once for different cultures.
The character’s background must reflect the “special insight” he
has into the culture or cultural trends. of a particular culture, she should probably have to learn speaking:
(the culture’s major language) at least +1D.
Cultures (R2)
This option can be used pretty much like Cultures (R1), only on a Cultures (R4)
larger scale. Instead of choosing a small, unusual culture, the character This selection should be taken only if the game setting employs
might choose an “alien” culture (one totally different from his own) the use of alien cultures (those not totally understood by the domi-
and gain an understanding of it comparable to the understanding in nant culture). The character understands the alien culture and can
Cultures (R1). Or, he could choose to learn more about a relatively interact within it — he is still an alien to it, but he is treated better
small cultural group (to the point where the character would be than any other outsider (most likely).
accepted as one who has spent a lot of time with the people). Example: In a game setting where non-Human races are rare,
Restrictions/Notes: The same as for Cultures (R1), but the char- the character is a Human from a village that’s on the edge of non-
acter has about the level of knowledge of an outsider who has lived Human races’ territory. She can thus interact with certain types
in the culture for a while. Either that, or he would get more useful of aliens and can understand their ways. This doesn’t mean she’s
information on alien cultures or “sweeping” cultural examinations. friends with them, but she has a better chance of interacting with
them, figuring them out, and outsmarting their “inhuman logic”
Cultures (R3) than other characters.
The character is either a native of an unusual culture or has the Restrictions/Notes: The character should have related Disad-
knowledge and the respect as if she were one. A person who has vantages, and there has to be some extensive background description
lived a significant portion of her life in a culture and has that sort of telling why the character has this Advantage. Otherwise, see the other
understanding of it would have Cultures (R3) — only the character is entries regarding Cultures.
actually a part of the game setting’s dominant culture as well.
If an alien culture can be, and is, selected, then the character has Equipment (R1)
an extreme familiarity with it. The character gains a piece of equipment he would not normally
Restrictions/Notes: As with Cultures (R1) and (R2), the char- have because it is too expensive or “unavailable,” but only if it is
acter must choose what sort of cultural familiarity to have. Also, allowable under the game setting. For instance, a character could
there must be a compelling reason the character has this familiarity start the game with leather armor but not chain mail — the latter
or understanding. Finally, if the character chooses to be a “native” is generally too expensive for the average adventurer.
 Chapter 2
Special Equipment
Gamemasters who want a stricter way of giving characters
special equipment can use this rule: Characters with the
Equipment Advantage may create one or more items with
the Special Abilities rules for a total number of points equal
to 2 times the rank in Equipment.
Example: A character with Equipment (R4) has eight
points with which to purchase Special Abilities, including
Enhancements and Limitations.
All items designed under this rule must have the Super-
Science Limitation or the combination of the Magically
Empowered (any rank) Enhancement plus Burn-out (R1), may
be lost or stolen, Limitation. The Equipment Advantage may
have the Burn-out Disadvantage also as long as it’s different
than “may be lost or stolen.”
Alternatively, the character could take lots of little pieces of equip-
ment instead — more than what the gamemaster would normally allow.
Basically, equipment totaling in cost not more than about a few gold
pieces (or a price difficulty of Moderate) would fit in this category.
Restrictions/Notes: Typically, as long as the character is not
careless with it, Equipment taken with any rank of this Advantage
is replaceable, unless the Burn-out Disadvantage is included with it.
Equipment (R1) may be selected more than once or in combination
with higher ranks of the Equipment Advantage with gamemaster
approval.
Equipment (R2)
The character gains a piece of equipment that would be very hard to
get because of expense or availability. Standard military weapons that
are usually out of reach of the normal citizen are available. In addition,
equipment totaling in cost not more than a dozen gold pieces (or a
price difficulty of Difficult) would probably be okay. In game settings
that have magical or super-science equipment, objects of fairly low
power would probably be obtained using this Advantage.
Restrictions/Notes: See Equipment (R1) for more information.
Equipment (R2) may be selected more than once or in combination
with higher ranks of the Equipment Advantage with gamemaster
approval.
Equipment (R3)
Items of equipment that are normally unavailable to just about
anyone can be picked up using this Advantage. Any one item on any
equipment chart can be selected, or the gamemaster can make up a
“special” item that has unusual effects or Special Abilities. Alterna-
tively, they can just be really expensive or virtually unavailable items.
Equipment totaling a few handfuls of gold (or a price difficulty of
Very Difficult) falls under this category.
Restrictions/Notes: The gamemaster should watch this Advan-
tage carefully. It can only be selected once at character creation
— though the Rank 1 and Rank 2 versions can also be selected
— but it can still unbalance a beginning character. Generally, things
• Page 30
that can be taken away fairly easily — like magic wands and swords,
strange technology, low-powered miraculous artifacts, and other
related equipment — would be suitably appropriate for characters
with minimal experience.
Equipment (R4)
Really bizarre and, most likely, powerful equipment is open to the
character — but only one such piece or a collection of small, related
pieces. No one else can use the equipment without making some
sort of exhaustive skill total, and it can probably not be repaired
or duplicated. Equipment with Special Abilities or atypical game
characteristics fits into this category.
The equipment could be a weapon more powerful than most
personal weapons in the game setting. Or it could be a magical spell
that could not normally be used by the character or anyone else in
the world at its relatively low difficulty. Or it could be a collection of
gadgets and gizmos that can perform many different mundane tasks
— but how, nobody knows.
Restrictions/Notes: The character should have Disadvantages
related to the equipment. Maybe Enemies want to steal it, or it has
an Advantage Flaw so it doesn’t work all the time — or the same way
every time. In addition, the equipment should not make the character
so powerful that opponents fall before him. In game mechanic terms,
the equipment should be just slightly more powerful or more useful
than what is available normally. The more powerful the item, the
more Disadvantages and restrictions should be related to it.
Example: A player might choose to give his character an average
bow and increase the damage score by two points. As this is a small
increase, the gamemaster permits the bow to never need reloading.
Instead, the arrows appear magically, cocked and ready.
Fame (R1)
The character, for some reason, is fairly well known. The character
has a dense penetration of recognition, but with little wide-sweeping
effects (for instance, everyone in town knows who they are, but no one
from more than a few days’ travel away has ever heard of them).
Whenever the gamemaster or the player thinks the character
might be recognized (and the Fame Advantage would come into
play), the gamemaster should roll 3D. If the result is 15 or higher, the
character is recognized. Otherwise, he has to do something “special”
to be recognized (and gain the benefits of recognition).
If a character with Fame (R1) is recognized, he should gain small
perks, like getting immediate service in a tavern, avoiding small legal
hassles (like routine wagon checks when entering a city), or just be
treated generally better (perhaps the character gets a couple of bonus
points to persuasion, bluff, and charm attempts). Like most roleplayed
Advantages, the gamemaster should decide on the results.
Restrictions/Notes: Fame may be chosen multiple times as long as
the player defines how each Fame is different. For example, a character
might have Fame (R1) in regards to his fighting abilities, but another
type of Fame pertaining to his intelligence or some other ability.
Fame (R2)
The character is very well known. The character would probably
be recognized in most fairly civilized cultures and almost definitely
 Character Options
in her home culture. The gamemaster should roll 3D and, on a 15
or higher, a person from another culture recognizes the person and
react (usually favorably). In the character’s own culture, this reaction
comes on an 8 or more. If the character draws attention to herself
in her own culture (identifies herself), then the reaction will most
likely be automatic (gamemaster’s option).
Restrictions/Notes: At this level of Fame, the character should
be treated like a well-known bard or popular fighter. Some game-
master’s characters will be immune to this Fame, but most will have
some sort of (generally positive) reaction. Otherwise, see Fame (R1)
for more information.
Fame (R3)
There is a pretty good chance anyone in the game setting will
recognize the character (or what the character is) fairly easily. The
base die total needed is 8, and it can be modified by circumstance.
The character has the status of a high-ranking noble or religious
personage.
Restrictions/Notes: They are the same as for Fame (R1) and
Fame (R2) — certain people just won’t be impressed. In addition,
characters with Fame (R3) should almost always have to take at
least one rank in the Disadvantage Infamy — no matter how nice,
talented, or generally well-liked a person is, there’s always somebody
out there who wishes her harm.
Patron (R1)
The odds are that most players’ characters are not independently
wealthy. But they might have access to wealth in the form of patrons.
• Page 31
If the characters are treasure hunters, patrons might include minor
nobles, small fiefs, or even retired adventurers.
Patron (R1) means the character has a backer who will fund one
expedition, with all proceeds going to the patron. All of the costs
(room, board, travel, expenses) are covered by the patron, with the
understanding that the player’s character is basically just a worker-
for-hire. Anything that the adventurer discovers or purchases becomes
the property of the patron.
Patron (R2)
A Patron (R2) expects much less from those he backs. The character
may receive less financial support, but the adventurer has greater
freedom of action.
An expansionistic government is a common example of an orga-
nization qualifying for Patron (R2). They cover a character’s travel
expenses in exchange for news about new lands to conquer. Anything
that the character finds on his own (like artifacts) remain his own.
Patron (R3)
A Patron (R3) will give a character a limited stipend and cover most
expenses, then offer to purchase whatever the character recovers.
Without consistent results, the funding will be cut off.
Size (R1 or more)
The character is much larger or smaller than the average Human.
For every rank in this Advantage, the player receives up to +3 to his
character’s scale modifier (which starts at zero). The player must
specify whether the character is bigger or smaller than the average
Human.
Restrictions/Notes: Generally, the character’s weight is propor-
tional for his height, but a Disadvantage, such as Hindrance: Reduced
Toughness, or a Special Ability, such as Hardiness, could be used to
represent a very thin or very large character (respectively). Likewise,
to reflect a longer stride, the character should have the Hypermove-
ment Special Ability, while a shorter stride would get the Hindrance:
Shorter Stride Disadvantage. Obviously, no character may take the
Size: Large and the Size: Small Advantages.
For details on using scale, see page 71 in the “Combat Options”
chapter.
Trademark Specialization (R1)
This Advantage works a lot like a combination of the Skill Bonus
Special Ability and Fame. The character is remarkably good at one
very specific thing, and he is known for it. Choose any specialization
that the character has (or would like to have in the future), and the
character gains +2D to the roll when it is used. In addition, when the
character uses it, there is a gamemaster-option chance that people will
recognize how “naturally good” the character is at the specialization,
and this might produce interesting situations. Also, the character
might be contacted or recognized by certain people because of how
good he is at that one specialization.
Restrictions/Notes: This character acts as if trained in the
use of this skill. No character may have more than two Trademark
Specializations.
 Chapter 2
Wealth (R1 or more)
The character with this Advantage probably has an estate or a series
of investments that will keep him comfortable for a good long time.
Alternatively, the character could be minor nobility or be married to
a minor noble. This doesn’t mean the character can buy everything
— he is still subject to the availability of items.
For each rank in this Advantage, the characters has 10 gold coins in
readily available cash once per month. The accounts never have more
than 10 gold coins times the number of ranks each month (fees and
living expenses keep it at that level), and the amount could be less
by the end of the month. Adventure bonuses could temporarily raise
the figure, though the character would have to purchase an additional
rank of Wealth to make the increase permanent. Players in games
using the Funds attribute gain +2 per rank to all such totals.
Restrictions/Notes: Characters should select only one rank of
Wealth, unless there is some reason they might have Wealth (R1)
and another rank of Wealth in other circumstances. Also, this wealth
does not always help and disappears if misused (and it should be
a major concern to the character at times), but it should be there
most of the time. Gamemasters will probably think of ways to work
around wealth and players should play along — if you can throw
money at every problem, then they aren’t that much fun to try to
solve, are they?
The most likely Disadvantage a character with Wealth would have
is Devotion, such as “helping all those in need” or “righting all wrong
doing.” Otherwise, there should be fairly extensive reasons why the
character can’t use his wealth to resolve every situation — or hire
somebody to do it for him (which is really the same thing).
Special Abilities
Before allowing players to create characters with Special Abilities,
the gamemaster may wish to peruse this list to see if there are any
she would prefer not to appear in her games. She may also decide
that certain Special Abilities require specific Limitations on them or
Disadvantages on the character.
Any Special Ability that gives a bonus to the die roll or the skill
total also allows the character to use that skill as if trained. Bonuses
received from taking multiple ranks of the same Special Ability are
added together.
Skills gained with a Special Ability are not improved when that Spe-
cial Ability is improved. Instead, they are increased as a normal skill.
Unless stated otherwise in the Special Ability, it does not count
as an action for the character to get the bonus from a Special Abil-
ity. However, except for such automatic abilities as Natural Armor
or Combat Sense, the character must state that she is relying on the
Special Ability or she does not receive the bonus.
Accelerated Healing (3)
The character gains a +1D per rank to his Physique for all natural
healing attempts, and a Critical Failure is treated as 1, rather than
having a negative effect on the die roll.
Ambidextrous (2)
The character is equally adept with her right or left hand. She may
perform an action with each hand in the same round, and, though
• Page 32
she takes the multi-action penalty, she receives a +1 per rank to each
skill total. The actions must involve the hands or similar manipula-
tive appendage and each action must require only one limb. If the
character performs only one hand-related action in a round, she does
not get the bonus. Some skills that characters could employ with
either hand include fighting, lockpicking, marksmanship, throwing,
lifting, artist, and the map-making aspect of navigation, though, of
course, not every task covered by each skill is relevant. A character
may take multiple ranks of this Special Ability for two pairs of hands
and multiple ranks for each additional manipulative limb.
Example: A player with a Reptilite character, who has a tail, wants
a +2 bonus when using two hands and the tail in the same round. The
player would buy Ambidextrous: Hands and Ambidextrous: Tail each
at Rank 2, since this Special Ability must be purchased separately
from the hands for each additional manipulative limb.
Animal Control (3)
This gives the character the ability to control one particular species
of animal, bird, or insect. The character gets a +10 bonus to her animal
handling total for that species. She must generate an animal handling
versus the Charisma or mettle of the animal (more than one animal
can be targeted, although this is a multi-action). If the character gets a
high enough success (gamemaster’s decision), the animal is controlled
for a number of minutes equal to the animal handling skill total times
10. A controlled animal serves its master faithfully, even sacrificing
itself on her behalf. The Special Ability has a range of sight or voice.
The character may gain one more species for each rank.
Note: A swarm of insects counts as one animal, as does a school
of small fish. Almost any creature with a Intellect die code of less
than 2D could be considered an animal, unless the gamemaster says
otherwise (for example, a horse would be animal, but a
zombie with a Intellect of 1D would not).
Armor-Defeating
Attack (2)
When a character with
natural weapons (the
character’s fists, claws,
teeth, etc.) attacks some-
one protected by armor, this ability negates the Armor Value, up to
+1D per rank. The character must specify how the attack negates the
armor: An acidic mist slips through any openings, enchanted claws
reach directly to the flesh, and the like. There should be at least one
type of armor that is unaffected by this.
Atmospheric Tolerance (2)
The character can breathe one form of atmosphere (such as dusty
air, frigid air, or extreme altitudes) that would be lethal to most other
characters. A character may not have more than one rank in this ability,
but he may have different versions for different atmospheres.
Attack Resistance (2)
The character is highly resistant to a certain type of attack. She
gains +1D per rank to her damage resistance roll against this type
of attack.
 Character Options
Energy Attacks: Resistant to blasts of severe heat, fire, electric-
ity, light, intense cold, and so on, but not the ability to survive in
extremes of such environments.
Extranormal Attack: Resistant to damage from any Extranormal-
based (such as Magic or Miracles) attack.
Mental Attacks: Resistant to mental harm from any source. It
does not provide protection against interaction attempts.
Nonenchanted Weapons: Resistant to physical damage from
nonenchanted weapons, but not from poisons, energy, or similar
materials.
Attribute Scramble (4)
The character can adjust an opponent’s (or a friend’s) attributes
temporarily. She gains the scramble skill at +1 per rank in a single
version of this Special Ability (it is an Acumen skill, described only
here), which she also can increase as a normal skill. The scrambler
must pick as her focus either physical or mental attributes, though
never Extranormal, Funds, or Special Abilities. (Physical attributes
encompass Agility, Coordination, and Physique. Mental attributes
include Intellect, Acumen, and Charisma.) She only may do both by
taking this Special Ability once for each version.
When she goes after a target with a fighting roll, she may choose
(as a multi-action) to also perform a scramble attack versus her
target’s mettle or Charisma. (This is not an action for the target.) No
close combat attack is necessary for a willing target, but the act of
scrambling still counts as an action. If her total is higher (not equal
to), she may shift her target’s attribute points around, within certain
limits. The close combat attack does no damage.
She may increase one or more related attributes by a number
equal to the amount she takes away from other related attributes
— but she may not decrease or increase any one attribute by more
than 2D (6 pips).
The change lasts for a number of rounds equal to the difference
between the scramble attack and the target’s mettle or Charisma. A
character who has been adjusted cannot be scrambled again until
the original adjustment wears off.
• Page 33
Confusion (4)
The character can hamper the thoughts of those he comes into
physical contact with, at will. He gains the confuse skill at +1 per rank
(it is a Charisma skill, described only here), which he can increase
as normal.
As a multi-action with a fighting attack, he may also perform a
confusion attack versus his target’s mettle or Charisma. (This is not an
action for the target.) If his total is higher (not equal to), the target is
confused. Characters may not play cards (if the gamemaster is using
game-enhancing cards with the adventures) or spend points, and they
receive a +5 difficulty modifier to even simple actions for a number
of rounds equal to 2 times the rank of this Special Ability.
Darkness (3)
The character can project a field of darkness around himself, adding
+5 per rank to the difficulty of any sight-based skill totals. The field
extends in a half-sphere around the character with a radius equal to
one meter per rank. The field can be maintained for a maximum of
one minute per rank before dispersing.
Elasticity (1)
The character can stretch, elongate, and compress his body,
allowing him to expand his height or become so narrow he can pass
through keyholes, cracks, or any other opening he could normally see
through. It takes one round or more to slip through small openings,
depending on their depth. The character gains +1 per rank to contor-
tion, dodge, or sleight of hand totals, in addition to disguise attempts
he performs on himself.
Endurance (1)
The character has great endurance, and gains a +3D per rank to
Physique or stamina checks when performing taxing physical tasks
(such as holding one’s breath underwater for a long period or run-
ning a long distance).

Blur (3)
The character can appear indistinct to the naked eye or non-
enchanted visual aids (spyglasses, mirrors, etc.). Commonly, a
character with this Special Ability will only be spotted out of the
corner of the eye. This adds 1 to the character’s dodge, stealth, and
hide totals, as well as +1 to all default search, tracking, investiga-
tion, and attack difficulties against the character that the blurring
character is not actively trying to defeat. (These modifiers are
per rank in this Special Ability.) On the character’s turn, she
may automatically become blurry, without taking an action, and
remain so until she chooses otherwise. Blurring also makes it
difficult for the character to hold a conversation with others.

Combat Sense (3)

The character can sense danger. She is never surprised. Rather,
she and her attacker must determine initiative as normal. Even
if the attacker still goes before the character does, any combat
modifier from the surprise is reduced by 2. A character may not
have this ability more than once.
 Chapter 2
Enhanced Sense (3)
One of the character’s five senses is heightened to abnormal
levels. The bonus to the skill total received depends on the sense:
sight is +1; hearing is +2; touch, taste, and smell are +3. The bonus
is per rank and applies to all skills (including combat ones) related
to the sense. Enhanced hearing also may affect initiative rolls. To
have multiple enhanced senses, this Special Ability must be taken
at least once for each sense.
Environmental Resistance (1)
The character is resistant to extremes of heat, cold, and pressure,
and he gains a +3D per rank to Physique or stamina checks to resist
ill effects from these environmental conditions. The character is not
resistant to heat or cold attacks, as these come and go too quickly
for the Special Ability to provide protection.
Extra Body Part (0)
The character has an extra limb or organ. If external, these may be
secondary arms or legs, a tail, or some more exotic bodily addition,
such as fins, tentacles, or antennae. If internal, the parts are organs
such as extra eyes, hearts, or mysterious glands. Unless specified
by a Disadvantage or Limitation, the extra parts are included in the
character’s body tastefully. Additionally, except in cases where the
character has an Enhancement or another Special Ability that uses
this one (for example, Extra Body Part: Tail and Natural Hand-to-
Hand Weapon: Tail), the extra part is nonfunctional. A character may
have only one rank in this Special Ability, but she may have multiple
versions to represent multiple additional organs or limbs.
• Page 34
Extra Sense (1)
The character can detect something that a normal Human cannot,
such as changes in pressure, seismic activity, radiation fluctuations,
and so on. She gains a +1D to her search rolls in attempting to detect
the specific energy or environmental change and +1D to her investiga-
tion rolls in figuring out source or other relevant information. The
gamemaster may also allow a +1 skill total bonus to other activities
that would benefit from whatever the extra sense can detect. All
modifiers are per rank in this Special Ability.
Fast Reactions (3)
The character gains +1D per rank to his Acumen when determin-
ing initiative, and, up to three times during the adventure, he may
receive one additional action for one round.
Fear (2)
The character can provoke fear in those who can see or hear him.
He gains a +1 per rank to all his intimidation totals and his target has
a +1 increase to combat defense difficulties against the horrifying
being. Inspiring fear requires an action, but it is the target that rolls
her mettle or Charisma (which does not count as an action for her)
against a difficulty of 15 to negate the effects.
Flight (6)
The character can fly, either by nature or by virtue of having
wings. The character’s flying rate equals his base Move (including
Hypermovement, if applicable) times 2 times the number of ranks.
The flying skill is required to maneuver.
Glider Wings (3)
The character can fly by drifting with air currents. The game-
master decides how much wind there is available and how fast it
moves the glider. Characters with this Special Ability need the flying
skill to control their passage. A character may not have this ability
more than once.
Hardiness (1)
The character can take damage better than normal. She adds 1 per
rank to her damage resistance total against any type of damage.
Hypermovement (1)
The character is extremely fast, adding +2 meters per round per
rank to her base Move rate, which in turn affects all other types of
movement.
Immortality (7)
The character is immortal, though she will grow older, at a decreased
pace compared to the rest of her species. If she is reduced to zero
Body Points or loses all her Wounds, she doesn’t die. Instead, one
of two situations occurs: she continues to live, though minimally, in
this world, or she returns to her home dimension. She does not go
unconscious or bleed to death (as mortally wounded characters do),
nor can she heal without magical or miraculous aid or the Accelerated
Healing Special Ability — her arms could be lopped off, her abdomen
 Character Options
eviscerated, or whatever. She may perform only the most minimal
of physical actions, such as squirming, and some actions may be
impossible. She may rely on her Agility for initiative purposes only
(if her Acumen total does not apply for some reason).
There should be one particular set of circumstances whereby the
character will die forever. These sets of circumstances should not be
too unusual — killed directly by magic, drowning, decapitation, and
so on are all good examples.
A character may not have this ability more than once.
Immunity (1)
The character is highly resistant to disease and poisons and
receives a +1D per rank to Physique or stamina checks when deter-
mining whether he has contracted an illness or is suffering from
ingested poisons.
Increased Attribute (2)
Some strange ability (or physiological trait) allows the character
to gain +1 bonus per rank to all rolled totals related to that attri-
bute. (For Physique, this also includes the damage resistance total
and Strength Damage.) A character may have multiple ranks of this
Special Ability, as well as multiple versions of it.
Note: To get another rank in this Special Ability after character
creation costs 4 times the number in front of the “D” of the attribute
that it affects plus the number of ranks currently in the Special Ability.
(This is instead of the normal cost to increase Special Abilities.)
Infravision/Ultravision (1)
The character gains the ability to either see in the dark using infravi-
sion or ultravision. Infravision allows the character to see changes
in heat, while ultravision enables the character to make the most of
the available light. Each provides a +2 per rank in a single version
of this Special Ability to sight-based totals (including attacks) while
in dim or dark conditions. Obviously, extreme heat or bright light
(including daylight) prevent this Special Ability from working.
Intangibility (5)
The character can reduce his physical density to virtually zero for
one minute per rank. During that time, his damage resistance score
against physical and energy (such as fire) attacks is +3D per rank, but
his movement rate is halved. An intangible character can pass through
solid objects, providing they do not contain wards or other spells of
protection designed to repel passage of this nature. He may not pass
through fiery or energy barriers. While intangible, the character cannot
carry any object along (including clothing), nor can he attempt any
physical attack. It takes a full round for a character to become intangible
or solid, during which he can do nothing else. The character must spend
at least one minute solid before attempting intangibility again.
Invisibility (3)
The character can become transparent. This adds 1 per rank to the
character’s dodge, stealth, and hide totals, as well as +1 per rank to all
default search, tracking, investigation, and attack difficulties against the
character that the invisible character is not actively trying to defeat.
Additionally, no character may take an action to “spot” the character
• Page 35
unless the gamemaster feels there is sufficient provocation, such as
brushing against others or removing something in a crowded area.
The invisibility covers the character’s basic clothes only and a few
small items in pockets or pouches attached to the clothes — not any
gear she’s carrying, or anything she picks up. Also, remember that
the character is transparent when invisible — she can’t hide things
behind her back.
Iron Will (2)
The character is highly resistant to all interaction attempts and
mental attacks. He gains a +1D per rank to all mettle rolls and +2 to
the standard difficulty of any such attempts against this character.
Life Drain (5)
This ability allows the character to drain attribute pips, Body
Points, or Wound levels from his target.
The character must choose one set of attributes to target, either
physical (Agility, Coordination, Physique), mental (Intellect, Acumen,
Charisma), Wounds, or Body Points. For example, most vampires drink
blood, and thus lower Body Points, while succubi target the soul and
so weaken mental attributes. The player must specify in what man-
ner the character drains these attributes (biting the neck, hypnosis,
or another means). It should involve some sort of successful attack
result (either physical or mental).
When the character wishes to employ Life Drain, he makes an
attack on his target using the relevant skill. For every four points
over the target’s defense roll, the character drains one pip per rank
off each of the target’s relevant attributes or three points per rank
from the character’s Body Points or one Wound for every two ranks.
(Remember that there are three pips in each die.)
If any of the target’s attributes or Body Points ever go to zero (or
the character reaches the Dead Wound level), the target goes into a
coma. She may try once per day to wake up by making a successful
Moderate stamina or Physique roll. She regains one attribute point
(to each attribute affected) every hour after the attack. Body Points
and Wound levels return at the normal rate.
For each attribute pip the character drains, he may add one pip to
any attribute in his chosen category. He would get one Body Point for
each Body Point drained or one Wound for each Wound drained.
Life-Drained attributes and unused Body Points or Wounds disap-
pear at a rate of one pip or point per hour.
A character may have multiple ranks of this Special Ability, as well
as multiple versions of it.
Longevity (3)
The character lives longer than the average Human. Often, this
Special Ability has a Flaw attached that governs what the character
must do to maintain his life. The character should gain peripheral
bonuses during game play because of his “longer outlook.” A character
may not have this ability more than once.
Luck, Good (2)
The character is blessed with unusually good luck. Once per adven-
ture, a character with Good Luck can receive one of the following
benefits just by asking for it: action, breakthrough, haste, or second
 Chapter 2 • Page 36
Luck Benefits
action: Add 2 to all of the character’s skill or attribute totals for the round.
alertness: When the character calls upon this benefit, he gains a special “sixth sense” outside of all other rules and roleplaying
situations that will help him to spot a previously unseen item, character, or clue selected by the gamemaster. The benefit does not
confer omniscience, however — and the gamemaster can select her own time for having it come into effect. It is normally used to allow
a character to spot something he missed in a previous search, something that is important to the adventure.
breakthrough: Add 1D to any one skill die code in which the character has no additional pips or dice (in other words, a skill in
which the character is untrained). The benefit also eliminates the unskilled modifier for using that skill.
haste: Gain one additional action for one round.
hero: Receive one bonus Fate Point, which the character must use on an action immediately after requesting it.
opponent fails: After an opponent or enemy has completed an action against the character, the character may call upon this benefit
to cancel the effects entirely. This nullifies the opponent’s action, and play continues. The lucky character may not use this benefit to
cancel an action that is not directed at least partially at him.
second chance: Using this benefit allows the character to attempt any action she has just tried again, from the very beginning.
This benefit cannot negate “bad choices” — the character must perform the action performed again — nor does it allow the character
to “get back” Fate Points, Character Points, or cards (if used) spent on the original action. The character merely gets another chance,
immediately following the first attempt, to perform the action again. All effects from the first attempt are ignored.

Luck Notes
A character may have up to two ranks each in Good Luck and Great Luck. This Special Ability can be taken with the Bad Luck Dis-
advantage — sometimes really good things happen, sometimes really bad things happen.

chance. See the “Luck Benefits” sidebar for details on each of these
options. Calling upon one’s luck does not count as an action.
Good Luck can only be declared once per rank during a particu-
lar adventure, but it may be declared at any time, and it cannot be
cancelled by any other effect. A character may have up to two ranks
of this Special Ability.
Luck, Great (3)
A character with Great Luck can call on one of the following
benefits once per adventure per rank: action, alertness, breakthrough,
haste, hero, opponent fails, or second chance. See the “Luck Benefits”
sidebar for details on each of these options. Calling upon one’s luck
does not count as an action.
If the character has not used his Great Luck during an adventure
and something really disastrous happens, the gamemaster may choose
to counteract the effects and temporarily “burn out” the character’s
Special Ability — that is, the character’s Great Luck has been used
up for the adventure. Usually, this is used when the character does
something stupid or the player is the victim of incredibly bad luck
— die rolling, not the Disadvantage — and something “stops” the
effect. This is a “last ditch,” gamemaster-controlled effort when
circumstances get out of control. It is also a nice thing for inexpe-
rienced roleplayers to have — just in case they do something they
really shouldn’t have, they get another chance.
Example: The character’s mission is to stop a wizard from
destroying a nearby city. Unfortunately, the character takes too long
fighting the minions of the dastardly wizard, and, according to the
rules, the whole city should go up in flames. The character is too late.
The gamemaster might choose to have the character be really lucky
— the villain was bluffing or has decided to take time to gloat. In
any case, the character’s Great Luck is gone for this adventure (his
luck ran out), but he has a chance of averting disaster.
Master of Disguise (3)
The character has a natural talent for disguise. She gains a +5
bonus per rank to disguise totals for altering her own appearance and
demeanor, +2 when changing someone else’s looks, and a +1D bonus
per rank to any Charisma-based actions while in that disguise.
Multiple Abilities (1)
The character has multiple minor abilities that improve a few dif-
ferent tasks. All bonuses are added to the skill or attribute total, not
to the die code. The bonuses should be fairly limited in their applica-
tions, pertaining to specific uses of particular skills (like specializations
do), but there can be several of them for each selection of this Special
Ability. The maximum total bonus for each rank is +4.
Example: A character could have “eyestalks” that give him a +1
bonus to Acumen or search to negate surprise, the ability to focus
his ears on particular types of noises (+1 bonus when listening for
particular sounds), and a nose that is sensitive to certain scents (+1
bonus to tracking when attempting to find small animals).
Natural Armor (3)
The character has plates, toughened skin, scales, or something
similar. His own surface adds 1D per rank to his damage resistance
 Character Options
roll to nonmagical physical (not mental) attacks and contact poisons,
corrosives, or similar materials.
Natural Hand-to-Hand Weapon (2)
The character has some sort of natural weapon —such as claws,
pincers, bone sword, or stinger — that adds 1D per rank to his
Strength Damage when determining his damage with the natural
weapon. The character uses fighting to attack, unless the weapon is
something that detaches from him or (in the case of a super-scientific
or magical weapon) exists separately. In this latter case, the character
employs melee combat to wield it.
Natural Magick (5 or more)
The character can use a magic spell as a natural ability. An example
of this would be a character who can dispel magic by his nature, rather
than through the use of a countermagic spell. The cost of the ability
— and the number of ranks the character has in it — equals the dif-
ficulty of the spell. (See the “Magic” chapter for details on creating
spells; the “Precalculated Spells” chapter has some sample spells.)
The chosen spell may not be charged (that is, have a fixed limit to
the number of times it can be cast).
The character must adhere to the requirements of the spell, includ-
ing its gestures, incantations, components, and so on. The casting of
the spell is automatic (there is no need to roll a Magic skill to perform
it), but the character does need to attempt any targeting skill or skill
required by the casting (such as one needed to perform a gesture). If
any of these fail, the spell does not work.
The player and the gamemaster need to discuss what spell the
character will have, and what the range, duration, and so on will
be. It’s suggested that some limitations be placed on the use of this
ability to maintain game balance — for instance, a character who can
toss fireballs as a natural ability might have to recharge for a certain
number of rounds before doing so again.
A character may have this Special Ability once each for different
spells.
Natural Ranged Weapon (3)
The character has some sort of natural ranged weapon,
using marksmanship to target it. Long range equals 20
times the number of ranks in this Special Ability times the
character’s Physique or lifting (as appropriate) in meters. Possession Knowledge Chart
The damage for physically enhanced projections is the
Result Points*
character’s Strength Damage plus 1D per rank, while the
Needed
damage for all other types of blasts is 3D per rank. The
0 Basic details: target’s name, age, home city
projection must have a visible effect (such as a bone spikes
or a sparkling beam) and it may not do mental damage. 1-4
Note that, regardless of the nature of the projection, there
are no additional effects from this type of Special Ability 5-8
unless an Enhancement allows otherwise.
9-12
Omnivorous (2)
The character can gain nourishment from any organic 13
substance (though she is not immune to poisons). She *Result points equal the difference between the investigation total and the
can also chew through just about any organic substance target’s Intellect roll.
with no adverse effects to her teeth or jaws. A character
may not have this ability more than once.
• Page 37
Paralyzing Touch (4)
The character can freeze her target with the merest touch.
When she makes a fighting attack, she may, instead of doing
damage, paralyze her victim, who remains that way until he makes
a successful Charisma or mettle roll against the fighting skill total. He
may attempt to do so once per round; the only other actions he may
take are mental-based ones and Extranormal or Special Ability ones
that do not require movement.
Note: Characters who are heavily armored or covered will be
harder to hit. The gamemaster needs to decide how much skin is
exposed and adjust the attack difficulty accordingly.
A character may not have this ability more than once.
Possession, Limited (8)
The character can possess the body of a living creature or a corpse.
The character must be within three times the rank of this Special
Ability in meters of the target in order to possess it.
Possessing a corpse doesn’t require a roll, but it does take an
action. Possessing a living being involves making a Charisma or mettle
check by the possessor versus a standard interaction difficulty (see
the “Mental Defenses” section on page 73 for details). Exceeding (but
not equalling) the difficulty means the target has been possessed. The
target can actively defend if she is aware of the potential danger.
To gather knowledge about his host body’s life, the possessing
character must generate a successful investigation total against the
target’s Intellect roll (this does not count as an action for the target).
Information the possessor gains depends upon the level of success
achieved; see the accompanying chart for details.
With Limited Possession, the character does not gain control of
the new form. Instead, he must use persuasion, intimidation, or other
interaction skills to convince his host to do what he wishes.
Exiting a host body is commonly a simple action. As long as the
possessing character exits before the host dies, he simply moves
on to his own or another form. Killing a possessing spirit usually
involves taking it completely by surprise with a killing blow to the
host form or using a spell to force it to remain in the body until it
can be slain.
Knowledge Attained
More personal details: target’s job, financial status, any
current schedule
More in-depth personal details: identities and backgrounds
of family, friends, lovers
Very personal details: secrets, private likes and dislikes,
etc.
Everything there is to know
 Chapter 2
Possession, Full (10)
The character can possess the body of a living creature or a corpse.
This works in the same way as Limited Possession, save that the pos-
sessing character gains her new form’s physical attributes (Agility,
Coordination, Physique), retains her own mental attributes (Intellect,
Acumen, Charisma), and gains complete control over the new form.
Quick Study (3)
The character has an uncanny ability to learn new skills and improve
old ones, limited to one attribute. He always learns new skills as if
he had a teacher (even if he doesn’t), and he can improve skills he
already knows at a cost of one Character Point less than normal. This
Special Ability applies to specializations and combines very well with
the Age Disadvantage, if the character is young — he is a prodigy,
and that’s why he’s learned his starting skills so quickly. This Special
Ability can be taken once for each attribute.
Sense of Direction (2)
The character has a good sense of direction. He gains +1D per
rank to navigation and tracking rolls.
Shapeshifting (3)
The character can manipulate the shape, color, and overall appear-
ance of her body, though mass and body compositions remain the
same. The character must chose a specific creature to emulate, gain-
ing one form for every three additional points spent on this Special
Ability. At six ranks in this ability, the gamemaster may allow shifting
Shapeshifting Example
Mel is playing a werebear. She chooses Shapeshifting,
specifying that she only changes from Human to werebear
and back again. The gamemaster decides she’ll gain one rank
of the Increased Attribute: Physique (+1 to related totals) and
+2 to all search and tracking totals that require smell when
in her werebear form.
Mel’s character has 18 attribute dice arranged thusly:
Agility 2D+2
Coordination 3D+1
Physique 3D
Intellect 2D+2
Acumen 2D+2
Charisma 3D+2
When she changes into werebear form, Mel’s character
has the following attribute values, the total of which has
been lowered by 2D because of the bonuses:
Agility 4D
Coordination 2D
Physique 3D+2
Intellect 2D+2
Acumen 2D+2
Charisma 1D
• Page 38
among one class of creatures (such as birds or furniture) as long as all
forms chosen for previous ranks were within the same class.
Body Points, Wounds, and the Intellect attribute remain unaf-
fected by this Special Ability, but the dice in the Agility, Coordination,
Physique, Acumen, and Charisma are redistributed to match the new
form (although the die code in the mettle skill remains the same
regardless of the change in form). Additional dice in skills above
the base attribute score remain the same, though the total dice in
each skill changes to reflect the adjustments in the base attribute.
Likewise, not all skills will be usable in the new form.
Attribute dice can also be used to include Special Abilities in the
new form. One attribute die can be spent to gain one rank in one
Special Ability or to get a +2 skill total bonus (split among up to two
skills). The gamemaster may allow a larger skill total bonus or more
skills to fall under the bonus if the desired effect is particularly nar-
row (such as a bonus for a single sense).
For an example of how Shapeshifting can work, see the accom-
panying sidebar.
Shapeshifting may be done at will, though a Limitation may force
it to be triggered by stress or environmental factors.
If shifting voluntarily, the character must generate a disguise total
of 11 to bring about the change, and a second total to turn back
again. Each change takes one full round in which the character may
do nothing else. Failure at the check means the transformation does
not occur, and the character cannot try again for at least an hour.
It is highly recommended that the hero comes up with some
typical forms and their game characteristics before beginning play.
The new form need not exactly resemble a “typical” version of the
emulated creature or object.
Silence (3)
The character can move in complete silence. He gains +2D per
rank to all stealth checks and a +1D per rank when attacking from
behind.
Skill Bonus (1)
Skill Bonus represents a natural talent (a character with the
Charismatic group might be “friendly and outgoing”), a particular
knack (a character with the Animal Friendship group has a “way
with animals”), years of devotion to a profession prior to beginning
adventure, or the result of an extended life.
The character chooses a group of three related skills in which he
gains +1 to the skill total of any action performed with those skills
(or specializations of that skill). The skills need not be under the
same attribute. The character may or may not actually have adds in
those skills, and the gamemaster must approve the fact that they are
“related.” Some examples of skill groups include:
Acting: bluff, charm, disguise
Acute Balance: acrobatics, climbing, stealth
Animal Friendship: animal handling, riding, survival
Athletics: lifting, running, throwing
Charismatic: bluff, charm, persuasion
Close Combat: fighting, melee combat, dodge
Eidetic: reading/writing, scholar, investigation
Investigative: investigation, search, streetwise
Leadership: command, intimidation, persuasion
 Character Options • Page 39
Mechanical Aptitude: crafting, lockpicking, traps
Observant: investigation, search, tracking
Ranged Combat: dodge, marksmanship, throwing
Players may substitute other related skills for the ones listed in
the groups above, or create their own groups as long as there is a
common thread and the gamemaster approves the grouping.
Three specializations may replace one general skill, getting a +1
for three different specializations. (The specializations don’t have to
be under the same general skill.) This may be done for up to all three
skills in the group, choosing six specializations instead of two skills
or nine specializations instead of three skills.
Example: In the Investigative group, a character might take out
streetwise and replace it with three specializations — streetwise:
thieves’ guilds, tracking: large towns, and persuasion: witnesses. While
this means the character gains no bonus for other streetwise activi-
ties (such as a roll to locate a criminal in a small town), he does have
a more “detailed” group.
Additionally, the character acts as if trained in these skills even
if he doesn’t have any additional pips in them, and so does not get
the unskilled modifier. This Special Ability does not affect the cost
of improving the related skills.
Gamemasters may allow a higher bonus for fewer skills (such as
a set of two skills where one gets a +1 bonus and the other gets a +2
bonus, or a +3 bonus to a set of three specializations). However, the
bonus per rank may total no more than +3.
At each additional rank, the player may increase the bonus by +1
for three of the skills affected by this Special Ability. A character may the player must specify when his character gets the Special Ability.
have different versions of this ability for different groups of skills, Generally, this substance gives the character distinct advantages. The
though the skills in each group may not overlap. player may select up to 4 points (not ranks) in other Special Abili-
ties that relate to the chosen form, per rank in this Special Ability.
Skill Minimum (4) (Thus, two Transmutation ranks means 8 points in other Special
The character can select three related skills that will always gain Abilities.) Natural Armor, Hardiness, and Environmental Resistance
a minimum total of 3 times the number before the “D.” are common ones.
Example: If the player selects persuasion, charm, and intimidation
(all interaction skills) for his character, all of which he has at 4D, and
Uncanny Aptitude (3)
he generates a total less than 12, the total automatically becomes This Special Ability is similar to the Skill Bonus Special Ability in
12. That is the character’s minimum total. that some sort of bizarre ability gives the character added bonuses
to certain actions. However, instead of selecting a group of skills
The player may not select Skill Minimum for any skill that has any
that the character gains a bonus to, the player and the gamemaster
other Advantage or Special Ability tied to it. Also, the skills must be
work out circumstances where these abilities come into play. For
related in some way (see the Skill Bonus Special Ability for information
instance, a character might gain a +1 bonus to all Agility-related skills
on related skills). The character may only select general skills, but the
totals when in sunlight.
specializations underneath that general skill are affected as well. This
A character may have several variations of this ability, reflecting
Special Ability may be selected only once for each group of skills.
different bonuses. Each variation could have several ranks, with the
bonuses adding to each other.
Teleportation (3)
The character can move instantly to another place up to 10 meters Ventriloquism (3)
per rank away. The character must see her destination clearly. In
The character can throw her voice up to three meters away per rank.
combat, this action takes an entire round. The character may take
No skill roll is required to do this, but if it is part of a trick attempt,
along whatever she can carry.
she receives a +2D bonus per rank to bluff and charm rolls.

Transmutation (5) Water Breathing (2)

The character can alter his substance to something else, while The character can breathe water and will not drown underwater.
retaining his form (such as a man who turns to stone). Characters She gains +1D per rank to all swimming rolls because she doesn’t
with this ability may only shift into one specific substance, which need to worry about drowning.
 Chapter 2 • Page 40
Youthful Appearance (1)
The character looks much younger than she actually is and
receives a +1D per rank to bluff, charm, or disguise attempts that
involve posing as someone youthful. In general, characters should
not look more than 10 to 20 years younger than they are, regard-
less of the number of ranks, though gamemaster discretion and
common sense should rule here.

Special Ability Enhancements

Enhancements allow Special Abilities to be somehow more than
the typical version. Each Enhancement may be taken more than
once for each Special Ability, either altering the ability in similar
though distinct ways or, for some, through stacking the effects. The
cost of the Enhancement adds to the associated Special Ability’s
total cost (base cost plus the cost for additional ranks).
Additional Effect (1): The Special Ability produces a useful, though
minor, side effect that is a natural extension of the power. The more
useful the side effect, the greater the number of ranks. Some examples
include a skill bonus when using the ability, doing residual damage (such
as reflection with Natural Armor or setting fires with Natural Ranged
Weapon), or adding functionality to an Extra Body Part.
Bestow (1 or more): The character may share her Special Ability
with a certain type of target: sentient living, nonsentient living, or
nonliving. The player must chose which group when including this
Enhancement. The cost of this Enhancement equals one-half (rounded
up) of the Special Ability total (base cost plus additional ranks cost plus
Enhancement costs). She may only use her Special Ability on herself
and on members of her target group with a multi-action penalty. The
character may give her Special Ability to one person per action.
Some Special Abilities will require better stories concerning how
the character can manage sharing them than others (such as Youth-
ful Appearance or Ambidextrous), while others may not have this
Enhancement (such as Longevity or Immortality). The target has
control over the use of the Bestowed Special Ability for as long as the
Bestowing character allows. A character may only have one rank in
this Enhancement, but she may have multiple versions of it.
Extended Range (3): The factor used to determine the range
of the character’s Special Ability is increased. Every rank of this
Enhancement allows the player to add one half of the ranks in the
Special Ability (rounded up) to the factor when determining the
range. Thus, to increase the range factor by half the ranks costs
three, by the ranks in the ability costs six, by 1.5 times the ranks
costs nine, and so on.
Example: The range for Natural Ranged Weapon is 20 times the
number of ranks in the Special Ability times the character’s Physique
or lifting in meters. With two ranks of Extended Range, the range
would now be 20 times twice the number of ranks in the Special
Ability times the character’s Physique or lifting.
Magically Empowered (4 for 1 rank; 5 for 2 ranks): The Special
Ability comes from a magical source — a feature of the character’s
species, a result of the character’s parentage, a means of explaining
a mysterious ancient artifact, and so on. A Special Ability provided
by a spell does not need this Enhancement, nor does Natural Magick
require it. A magic item created for a character because of the Equip-
ment Advantage would.
Two ranks exist for this Enhancement. At Rank 1, with a cost of
four, the power with this Enhancement has a magical power source,
but it is not truly magical in nature. If it does damage, protective
Special Abilities or magical spells of any defensive nature can defend
against it as normal. It can act on characters in astral form, spirits,
and other magical creatures or magical items not affected by normal
harm. It does harm to those beings and items at one-half of its dam-
age total, before modifiers and rounded down.
If it provides protection, it defends at one-half its total, before
modifiers and rounded down, against magical blasts or Special Abilities
that demons, ghosts, and other magical or spiritual beings have.
In both cases, these bonuses are in addition to the normal applica-
tions of the Special Ability.
At Rank 2, with a cost of five, the power with this Enhancement is
magical in nature. If it does damage, protective Special Abilities only
defend at one-half their die code (rounded down) against its attacks,
but the Enhanced Special Ability can be completely shielded against
by other magical Special Abilities (protecting Special Abilities with
this Enhancement; spells that protect against magical attacks; and
protective versions of Natural Magick). It can be used against spirits,
astral beings, and other magical or spiritual creatures or magical items
not affected by normal harm. For both cases, this is in addition to
the regular manifestations of the Special Ability.
If the Special Ability with this level of Enhancement provides protec-
tion to the character, it can defend against normal and magical powers
(offensive Special Abilities with this Enhancement; damage-dealing
spells; and protective versions of Natural Magick; Special Abilities of
a magical nature possessed by demons, ghosts, and the like).
To include this Enhancement with a Special Ability in an item,
the item’s Special Ability should also have the Limitation Burn-out
(R1), item can be lost or stolen.
Multiple Targets (2): The character may use the Special Ability
more than once per round without incurring a multi-action penalty.
For each rank in this Enhancement, the character gains one additional
use of the Special Ability. This adds to any other bonus actions pro-
vided by a power; it does not multiply it.
Special Ability Limitations
These Limitations can be associated with Special Abilities, restrict-
ing their functionality and reducing their total cost (base cost plus
 Character Options
the cost for additional ranks plus any Enhancements — not the per
rank cost).
Limitations may not lower a Special Ability’s total cost below one,
and all Limitations must have some sort of effect on play — just like
Disadvantages. Each of a character’s Special Abilities may have more
than one of each Limitation, as they can either describe similar but
distinct negative situations or, in some cases, stack the effects.
Ability Loss (3 for 1 rank; 4 for 2 ranks): The character tem-
porarily loses his Special Ability at regular intervals or, when the
Special Ability is used, he loses the ability to use a common skill in
which he has experience (that is, additional pips or dice). Examples
include: a character who cannot shapeshift when the sun is out; a
character who cannot use his natural weapons on a particular day
of the month or during a certain phase of the moon. The character
is aware of what the circumstances are that will cause this. For an
additional point and additional rank, the character must undergo
some sort of (fairly simple) procedure to regain his ability or skill
use. A Special Ability may have up to two ranks in a single variation
of this Limitation, but a character may have it multiple times for
different Special Abilities, circumstances, or combinations of Special
Abilities and skills.
Allergy (3 for 1 rank; 4 for 2 ranks): The character has a minor
allergy. Exposure to a fairly common substance (smoke, sunlight, par-
ticular food, etc.) causes the character to lose all Critical Success rerolls
until the condition is removed. For an additional point and additional
rank, the effects are worse, and the character loses all actions due to
coughing fits, watering eyes, or similar discomfort until she can get
away from the allergen. A Special Ability may only have one rank in
this Limitation, though it may have several different Allergies.
Burn-out (1): See the Disadvantage by this name for sugges-
tions that could also be applied to a Special Ability. The more likely
the Burn-out, the greater the number of ranks in this Limitation.
A Special Ability may have multiple variations of this Limitation,
representing different triggers for the Burn-out.
Debt (3): Someone (or, more likely, some entity) gave the character
the Special Ability, along with certain obligations and restrictions.
The character must continually beg the giver to retain the Special
Ability, or she must perform certain tasks at the giver’s request in
exchange for continued use of the Special Ability. A Special Ability
may only have one rank in this Limitation.
Flaw (1): All difficulties associated with using the Special Ability
are increased by +2 per rank. The greater the rank associated with
this Flaw, the greater the difficulty modifier.
Minor Stigma (3): The character cannot use the Special Ability
without performing the “proper rituals” before or after (someone with
a natural weapon who must sketch an image of his intended victim
before hunting him down; a shapeshifter who must be purified by
his cult after killing someone). A Special Ability may only have one
rank in this Limitation.
Others Only (2 for 1 rank; 3 for 2 ranks; 4 for 3 ranks): The
character may not use the Special Ability himself; he may only allow
others to use it. The value of this Limitation depends on how many
groups of “others” he can use it on: For two points and one rank, the
character may affect sentient living, nonsentient living, and nonliving
targets. For three points and two ranks, the character can affect only
• Page 41
two of the three groups. For four points and three ranks, the character
can affect only one of the three groups. This Limitation may not be
taken more than once per Special Ability. Additionally, like the Bestow
Enhancement, some Special Abilities may require valid reasons before
the gamemaster allows the Limitation’s inclusion. Some abilities, such
as Immortality and Longevity, may not have this Limitation. The target
who gets the Special Ability has control over its use as if she actually
had the ability, for as long as the giving character allows.
Allowing another person access to the Special Ability counts as
an action for its owner, while using the newfound Special Ability
counts as as an action for the one who gets it (though gaining access
to it does not). The Special Ability’s owner may only give the Special
Ability to one character per round, but the target may be different
each round.
Price (1): The character must fulfill certain obligations in order
to use the Special Ability. Perhaps when using Water Breathing, the
character must remain in the water for at least 24 hours for every
24 hours out of it or suffer -4 modifier per rank in this Limitation to
his damage resistance total for changing environments so quickly.
Alternatively, there could be a Character or Fate Point fee of three
Character Points per rank in the Limitation per adventure in which
the character uses the Special Ability.
Restricted (1): The Special Ability is hindered in a way not cov-
ered by any other Limitation. The more restrictive the situation, the
greater the number of ranks in this Limitation. For instance, a Natural
Weapon (either kind) may only be useful against certain creatures. A
Special Ability may have multiple variations of this Limitation, each
representing a different restraint.
Side Effect (2): One of the character’s Special Abilities has some
sort of annoying side effect that appears with its use, such as constant
whistling, a continuous glow, or a terrible stench. Add 4 per rank to
the difficulty of all stealth attempts when the Special Ability is in use,
as everyone can figure out she’s coming. This will also affect interac-
tion attempts, adding at least a +1 per rank to the difficulty.
Singularity (1 per Special Ability): The character may use
only one of a group of two or more Special Abilities each round. It
does not take an action to switch Special Abilities. He may change
the Special Ability in use at the beginning of his turn in a round,
and he may rely on the chosen Special Ability until the next time he
changes it. For a second rank (and one additional point per Special
Ability), it does take an action to switch Special Abilities. A Special
Ability may not have more than two ranks in this Limitation, and
all Special Abilities in the same group must have this Limitation at
the same rank. Not all of a character’s Special Abilities need be in
the same Singularity group.
Super-science (2): The Special Ability is contained in a piece
of equipment — such as a arquebus, a staff, or a ring — developed
through a technological means not readily available and certainly
experimental (it could even be from the future). The item could be
lent to another character or taken away with a successful grab and
used by someone else, though at a +5 to the difficulty. On a Critical
Failure, the item malfunctions and requires repair. Unless combined
with the Burn-out Limitation, a destroyed item may be recreated in a
number of days equal to the total cost of the Special Ability (including
all ranks, Enhancements, and Limitations).
 CHAPTER III
• Non-Human Races •
What’s in This Chapter
Some, though certainly not all, fantasy settings feature humanoid
races of equal or greater standing than the Humans themselves. This
chapter generalizes a few of the more common ones. Gamemasters
can modify these generic characters to suit their setting or use them
to design their own non-Human races.
When creating a new racial template, every character based on
that species must have certain background Special Abilities, Disad-
vantages, and possibly Advantages. However, enough points should
remain with which the player may customize the character. Usually,
the character ends up with more options than normal for the average
person in the game setting, but fewer than if the player had stuck
with Human. (Experienced members of the race should have more
skills and, perhaps, higher levels of the template’s Special Abilities
and Disadvantages.)
When making new packages, to help them balance with what’s
available to Humans, account for any potential alteration to
attribute minimums and maximums through Special Abilities and
Disadvantages.
Regardless of the race, unless they take the Language Problems
Disadvantage, characters can speak Trade Speech and their native
language.
Players may overlay the packages on any other character template.
Disadvantages received from these packages do not count toward
the maximum number of Disadvantages set by the gamemaster.
Body Points for “typical” characters were added to a gamemaster’s
character base of 10.
Dwarves
Stocky and short, Dwarves come from the mountains. They build
great halls and winding tunnels. They are considered some of the
finest workers of metals and gems. Though they do grow plants for
food, they have a general dislike for spaces open to the sky.
Typical
Agility 3D: fighting 3D+2, melee combat 4D
Coordination 2D
Physique 3D+2: lifting 4D, running 4D, stamina 4D
Intellect 2D: devices 3D, trading 2D+1, traps 2D+2
Acumen 3D: artist 3D+2, crafting 4D, gambling 3D+1
Charisma 2D+1: intimidation 2D+2
Advantages: Size: Small (R1), scale value of 3
Disadvantages: Hindrance: Gruffness (R2), +2 to bluff, charm,
and persuasion difficulties; Hindrance: Shorter Stride (R1), 2-meter
reduction to running, swimming, and jumping Move
Special Abilities: Hardiness (R2), +2 to damage resistance totals;
Longevity (R1); Ultravision (R1) +2 to sight-based totals while in
dim or dark conditions
Strength Damage: 2D Move: 8
Fate Points: 0 Character Points: 2
Body Points: 19 Wound levels: 3
Package
Total creation point cost: 4
Total defined limit cost: 1 attribute die or 4 skill dice
Advantages: Size: Small (R1), scale value of 3
Disadvantages: Hindrance: Gruffness (R2), +2 to bluff, charm,
and persuasion difficulties; Hindrance: Shorter Stride (R1), 2-meter
reduction to running, swimming, and jumping Move
Special Abilities: Hardiness (R2, cost 2), +2 to damage resistance
totals; Longevity (R1, cost 3); Ultravision (R1, cost 1) +2 to sight-
based totals while in dim or dark conditions
Elves
The Elves’ very slenderness tends to make them seem taller than
Humans, though their actual size varies depending on where they call
home. The most common variety hail from forests, but ones living
in mountains or seas are not unknown. Wherever they come from,
they all share an affinity for nature and a sense of duty toward the
animals and things of their native environment.
Typical
Agility 3D: dodge 3D+2, melee combat 3D+2, stealth 3D+2
Coordination 3D: marksmanship 4D
Physique 2D: running 2D+2
Intellect 3D: reading/writing 3D+1, scholar 3D+1, speaking
3D+1
Acumen 3D: artist 3D+1, hide 3D+2, search 3D+2, survival 3D+2,
tracking 3D+2
Charisma 3D: animal handling 3D+2, charm 3D+2
Magic 1D: alteration 1D+1
Advantages: None
Disadvantages: Devotion: Nature (R2), feel a deep devotion
and kinship with trees and plants; Hindrance: Arrogance (R2), +2
to bluff, charm, and persuasion difficulties; Hindrance: Delicate (R2),
-2 to damage resistance total
Special Abilities: Enhanced Sense: Sight (R1), +1 to sight-based
totals; Longevity (R1); Skill Bonus: Stealth (R1), +1 to hide, stealth,
and tracking totals
Strength Damage: 1D Move: 10
 Non-Human Races • Page 43
Fate Points: 0
Body Points: 17
Character Points: 2
Wound levels: 3
Typical
Agility 3D+2: fighting 4D+1, dodge 4D, melee combat 4D
Package Coordination 2D: throwing 3D
Physique 4D: lifting 4D+1, running 4D+1, stamina 4D+1
Total creation point cost: 1 Intellect 3D: navigation 3D+2, trading 3D+1
Total defined limit cost: 1 skill die Acumen 3D+1: survival 3D+2, tracking 3D+2
Advantages: None Charisma 2D: intimidation 3D, mettle 3D
Disadvantages: Devotion: Nature (R2), feel a deep devotion Advantages: None
and kinship with trees and plants; Hindrance: Arrogance (R2), +2 Disadvantages: Achilles’ Heel: Cold (R3), take 1D in damage per
to bluff, charm, and persuasion difficulties; Hindrance: Delicate (R2), round in temperatures below 15 C; Hindrance: Arrogance (R2), +2
-2 to damage resistance total to bluff, charm, and persuasion difficulties
Special Abilities: Enhanced Sense: Sight (R1, cost 3), +1 to Special Abilities: Extra Body Part: Tail (R1); Natural Armor:
sight-based totals; Longevity (R1, cost 3); Skill Bonus: Stealth (R1, Scales (R1), +1D to damage resistance total against physical damage;
cost 1), +1 to hide, stealth, and tracking totals Natural Hand-to-Hand Weapon: Claws (R1), +1D damage
Strength Damage: 2D Move: 10
Gnomes Fate Points: 0 Character Points: 2
Renowned tinkers, Gnomes enjoy building their homes in hillsides, Body Points: 22 Wound levels: 3
much as Dwarves do. Somewhat taller and broader than Dwarves,
the Dwarves outmass Gnomes. Gnomes commonly use magic to Package
enhance their inventions. Total creation point cost: 0
Total defined limit cost: 0
Typical Advantages: None
Agility 3D: fighting 3D+1 Disadvantages: Achilles’ Heel: Environmental Incompatibility
Coordination 2D+1: lockpicking 2D+2 (R3), +1 modifier to difficulties per round exposed to temperatures
Physique 3D: lifting 3D+1 below 15 degrees C; Hindrance: Arrogance (R2), +2 to bluff, charm,
Intellect 3D: devices 4D, speaking 3D+1, trading 3D+1, traps and persuasion difficulties
3D+2 Special Abilities: Extra Body Part: Tail (R1, cost 0); Natural
Acumen 3D: artist 3D+2, crafting 4D, know-how 3D+1 Armor: Skin (R1, cost 3), +1D to damage resistance total; Natural
Charisma 2D+2: persuasion 3D Hand-to-Hand Weapon: Claws (R1, cost 2), +1D damage
Magic 1D: alteration 1D+1
Advantages: Size: Small (R1), scale value of 3
Disadvantages: Hindrance: Shorter Stride (R1), 2-meter reduc-
tion to running, swimming, and jumping Move
Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Mechanical Aptitude (R1), +1 to
crafting, devices, and traps totals
Strength Damage: 2D Move: 8
Fate Points: 0 Character Points: 2
Body Points: 18 Wound levels: 3

Package
Total creation point cost: 1
Total defined limit cost: 1 skill die
Advantages: Size: Small (R1), scale value of 3
Disadvantages: Hindrance: Shorter Stride (R1), 2-meter reduc-
tion to running, swimming, and jumping Move
Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Mechanical Aptitude (R1, cost 1),
+1 to crafting, devices, and traps totals

Reptile Folk
Slightly taller than Humans, Reptile Folk prefer scrubland on the
edges of deserts. Their nomadic lifestyle and natural armor has made
them terrific hunters and trackers. This innate protection also supports
their belief that they are superior to all other life in the world.
 CHAPTER IV
• Improving Characters •
What’s in this Chapter
Once players have taken their characters through an adventure or
three, they’ll want to improve or change them. This chapter provides
guidelines for accomplishing that.
Learning & Improving Skills
When a player first creates a character, she should use the character
creation guidelines for gaining attributes and skills.
Players whose characters have been through at least one adventure
can use Character Points, accumulated from completing adventures,
to learn new skills and improve old ones. Spending Character Points
this way may be done only between adventures.
In addition to Character Points, the character needs experience
with the skill, either through training or by attempting to use the
skill (through rolling its die code or its governing attribute’s die code,
regardless of the outcome) during an adventure. If the gamemaster
decides that there is a significant amount of training involved (such
as improving a skill beyond 6D), or the character needs to find a suit-
able teacher, that might become an adventure’s focus. (The teacher
must have a skill die code higher than the one the potential student
currently has.)
The cost of getting one pip in a new base skill equals the number
before the “D” in the governing attribute’s die code.
Example: If a character wants to learn reading/writing after an
adventure and he has a Intellect die code of 3D, the first pip in read-
ing/writing costs him three Character Points. The hero then has a
3D+1 in his reading/writing skill.
The cost of improving an existing skill is determined in the same
way, except that the number of dice in the skill (instead of in the
attribute) is used to determine the cost.
Example: A character has a dodge of 4D+2 and wants to increase
it. To raise the skill by one pip to 5D, the character must spend four
Character Points. To increase the skill to 5D+1 after the next scenario,
the character must spend five Character Points.
The cost to get one pip in a new specialization equals one-half of
the number before the “D” in the governing attribute or skill’s die
code. The cost to improve an existing specialization by one pip equals
one-half of the number before the “D” in specialization skill’s die
code. (In both cases, round up.)
A character does not need the governing skill to get a specializa-
tion in it. However, if he does have one, getting a specialization
in it acts as a bonus to the base skill when taking actions of that
type, but it does not also improve all uses of the base skill.
Example: For a character with 6D in marksmanship to gain a
bow and arrow specialization, he needs to spend three Character
Points to get a +1 in the specialization. The full marksmanship skill,
however, stays at 6D.
Specializations that are associated with a full skill improve when
the base skill improves.
A character may improve a skill or any of its specializations but
not both. In other words, a character may improve as many special-
izations as he desires at the same time, though he cannot improve
them at the same time as he’s improving the governing skill. Skills
and specializations may only be improved by one pip each in between
each adventure.
Once characters reach 8D in a skill, gamemasters may choose to
use the upper limit rule for improving attributes (see that section
for details).
Extranormal skills cost twice as much to learn as other skills. Skills
gained due to a Special Ability are not improved when that Special
Ability is improved. Instead, they are increased as a normal skill.
Improving Strength Damage
As a character’s Physique or lifting goes up or is altered by Special
Abilities, Disadvantages, or skill improvement, refigure the Strength
Damage die code: Take the character’s new Physique or lifting (including
any modifiers from Disadvantages or Special Abilities) and drop the pips.
Divide by 2, and round up. This is the Strength Damage die code.
Improving Attributes
With the exception of Extranormal and Funds, the attributes you
choose for your character usually represent her maximum potential.
Most of the time, you’ll improve your character’s attributes by train-
ing in one particular aspect (improving skills) or through temporary
means (taking drugs or wearing magical equipment). Nonetheless,
some freak mystical accident or a supernatural encounter might
provide you with a reason to improve your character’s base attributes.
(Some characters, such as kids, might start with fewer attribute dice,
but their excuse for their attributes’ improvement is puberty.) There
are two ways to do this.
The first way is how kids improve their normal attributes and how
everyone improves their Extranormal attributes. The gamemaster may
Effects of Character Options
When determining how many Character Points a player needs to
improve his character’s skills and attributes, ignore any modifiers
provided by Advantages, Disadvantages, or Special Abilities.
 Improving Characters
chose to use this option for adult characters who want to increase
their normal attributes.
In the first method, to boost an attribute by one pip costs 10 times
the number before the attribute’s “D” in Character Points. Generally,
a single attribute may be raised only one pip per adventure, though
it’s possible that the effects of the situation influence the character’s
physical makeup for a while or the gamemaster may decide that the
situation was so life-changing that more than one attribute may be
boosted by more than one pip.
There is an upper limit using this method: Every time an adult
character boosts a normal attribute, the player rolls that attribute’s
new die code and the gamemaster rolls one die less than the maximum
die code for the species, including any appropriate Special Abilities.
(The maximum for all attributes except Extranormal and Funds is 5D,
unless altered by a Special Ability or Disadvantage, so the gamemaster
would roll 4D. For skills, the gamemaster uses 7D or 1D less than his
preferred maximum.) If the gamemaster’s roll equals or exceeds the
player’s roll, the attribute improves. If it does not, the attribute does
not improve, the character gets half the Character Points back, and
the character has reached her upper limit for that attribute. Ignore
this upper limit rule for Funds and Extranormal attributes.
In the second way, the gamemaster requires all adult characters
to take the Increased Attribute Special Ability (discussed in the
“Character Options” chapter) in order to improve their Agility, Coor-
dination, Physique, Intellect, Acumen, and Charisma attributes. It has
the added simplicity of, instead of raising dice, adding to the total
rolled. There is no maximum bonus that the character may gain with
this method, aside from whatever roleplaying or adventure obstacles
the gamemaster decides to include.
Improving Body Points
As a character’s Physique goes up or is altered by Special Abilities
or Disadvantages, you’ll need to change the Body Points amount.
Whenever Physique permanently reaches a new full die above or
below the old one, roll the die, ignoring any pips or other modifiers.
(Do not reroll the character’s entire Physique — only the amount that
changed.) Then add or subtract, as dictated by the Special Ability or
Disadvantage, that number from the Body Points total.
Improving Wounds
As a character’s Body Points go up or down, the Wound level changes.
For characters who rely solely on Wounds, the only way to alter how
quickly or slowly the character reaches each level is by changing his
damage resistance total. This could be through a change in Physique or
by acquiring more protective gear or protecting Special Abilities.
Gaining & Losing
Character Options
As players take their characters through adventures and develop
them, they may decide that the Advantages, Disadvantages, and
Special Abilities the characters started with don’t fit the current
concept. To be flexible, there are ways you can accommodate your
players’ desire to grow their characters. For example, an “enemy”
might eventually be killed, a character might be able to negotiate a
way out of Debt, or an Advantage Flaw might be “repaired.”
• Page 45
Getting rid of and gaining Advantages, Special Abilities, and
Disadvantages should only happen after the character has been used
during several adventures and has had a chance to come up with
reasons for character alteration.
These game mechanics for gaining Advantages, Special Abilities,
and Disadvantages apply only to individuals who actively seek them.
Because of an adventure or series of adventures, the members of a
group may each acquire the same new Advantage or Disadvantage.
In this case, each hero does not pay the cost or receive any Character
Point benefits outlined here. The new Advantage can be considered
a reward for being part of the team and the scenario,
while the new Disadvantage would be a penalty.
Advantages
There are two methods for acquiring new Advan-
tages: (1) The player pays, in Character Points, 5 times the rank of
the Advantage. (2) The player takes an equivalent amount of ranks
in Disadvantages and pays a number of Character Points equal to
the rank of the Advantage. In either case, the player must come up
with a well-crafted story for getting the new Advantage that’s backed
by actual experiences in one or more adventures. The story, and its
related Advantage, must be approved by the gamemaster.
Generally, a player may not remove an Advantage from a character,
but it might be lost in the course of roleplaying due to player negligence
(that is, continuously bad roleplaying or ignoring Disadvantages) or
some tragic game-world mishap (such as a Patron’s city being destroyed).
If the loss occurred through no fault of the character, the gamemaster
may give the player a consolation gift of three Character Points per rank
in the Advantage, or may substitute an equally valuable Advantage.
Gamemasters should not reward the loss of an Advantage through
player negligence.
Disadvantages
There are also two meth- ods for permanently
overcoming a Disadvantage: (1) The player pays 10
times the die code of the Disadvantage. (2) The player loses an equal
number of Advantages and pays a number of Character Points equal
to the die code of the Disadvantage. As with Advantages, the player
must have a good tale and adequate adventuring experience before
the gamemaster should approve the loss of any Disadvantage.
Example: If a character had Equipment (R3), he might also have
a Rank 3 Disadvantage tied to it. If the character can get rid of the
equipment (which he might not be able to do in some settings — a
cursed sword, for example), then the Disadvantage goes away.
When a player wishes to add another Disadvantage to her hero,
she receives an immediate bonus for this choice if she isn’t using the
Disadvantage to help her get a new Advantage. For the new Disad-
vantage, the character receives a number of Character Points equal
to 3 times the die code of the Disadvantage. However, the hero now
has a new limitation to contend with!
Special Abilities
Unless the gamemaster decides to reward a character with a Spe-
cial Ability, it costs 5 times the sum of the Special Ability’s base cost
plus the current number of ranks in Character Points — and a really
 Chapter 4 • Page 46
good excuse — to acquire or improve a Special Ability after character
creation. A character may improve a Special Ability by only one rank
after each adventure, unless there is some compelling reason to allow
otherwise. Gamemasters may disallow increases in Special Abilities
if they feel the reason for the improvement isn’t good enough.
Example: A character has Accelerated Healing at Rank 1. She decides
to spend some time in a monastery, learning how to improve it. The
cost in Character Points to increase her Special Ability to Rank 2 is 16
(5 times the sum of the base cost of 3 plus the current rank of 1).
Characters can have their Special Abilities weakened and occasion-
ally even lose them entirely, and they get no reward for this. In other
circumstances, the character could wish to use all his mental and
spiritual resources to defeat an otherwise unstoppable force.
In these instances, by sacrificing one rank in a Special Ability,
a character receives 2 times the base cost of the Special Ability in
Character Points. If the player wants to remove completely a Special
Ability from the character, however, he reduces the Special Ability to
one rank, receiving Character Points for each rank lost, as above. In
sacrificing the final rank of the Special Ability, the character receives
Minor Stigmas, a reasonable explanation of how the Special Ability
in Character Points 7 times the initial cost of the Special Ability. Costs
has changed is also required.
of Enhancements and Limitations are ignored. The character also,
Gaining a new Enhancement costs 8 times the desired rank times
of course, loses all Enhancements and Limitations associated with
the base cost of the Enhancement in Character Points. Although most
that Special Ability when he permanently sacrifices it. (Getting the
Enhancements have several possible ranks that can be purchased in
Special Ability back requires the character to spend Character Points
stages, common sense should apply. A Special Ability may obtain
for it as a new Special Ability.)
new levels for the same Enhancement, but the nature of previously
Character Points gained by selling off a Special Ability must
added Enhancements cannot be altered, unless the Enhancements
be used before the end of the scene. The hero can sacrifice a part
are removed.
of his essence to accomplish legendary deeds, but he cannot use
those Character Points to purchase skills or otherwise improve his Example: An Enhancement that provides an extra effect must be
character. Any Character Points not spent by the end of the scene purchased at the full cost of each desired effect. A player could not,
are forever lost. for instance, buy one rank of Additional Effect: Energy Sustenance
The act of losing Special Abilities does not typically count as an for Attack Resistance, and then later spend more Character Points
action. Even so, some circumstances may justify a Moderate mettle roll to increase the Enhancement rank and change it to attack reflection.
or the character’s complete concentration for a full round to simulate However, a character with an Additional Effect of stickiness on the
the character summoning his deep inner resources. Natural Ranged Weapon Special Ability could purchase additional
The player can combine losing Special Abilities with gaining ranks of the version of the Enhancement.
Special Abilities to simulate an event that alters the character’s Eliminating a Limitation costs 10 times the die code of the Limita-
extraordinary abilities completely. In this case, if the gamemaster tion in Character Points. As with Enhancements, it is possible to buy
accepts the player’s explanation, simply trade the hero’s current off a Limitation in stages, if the stages are related. The Debt Limitation
Special Abilities for Character Points and spend them on the desired probably couldn’t be bought down one level at a time, but a Flaw with
new Special Abilities. multiple ranks could be, if the Narrator allowed. The gamemaster
may disallow buying off certain variations of Limitations because
Gaining & Losing Special Ability they are inextricably tied to the related Special Ability.
A character can also remove an Enhancement or acquire a Limita-
Enhancements & Limitations tion after character creation. A character who purposely removes an
It is possible for a character to gain or lose control over a Special Enhancement from a Special Ability receives 4 times the rank times
Ability, beyond what increases in skill and Special Ability rank allow. the base cost of the Enhancement in Character Points. The charac-
Unlike Advantages and Disadvantages, Special Ability Enhancements ter can’t rely on the Enhancement until the player buys it again. A
and Limitations are fundamental to a Special Ability’s manifesta- character who takes a Limitation for a Special Ability after character
tion in a character or item. Enhancements and Limitations must creation gains 5 times the rank times the base cost of the Limitation
be purchased or overcome with Character Points, representing the in Character Points. Since it is unlikely (though not impossible) that
character’s greater understanding of the Special Ability. Also, the a character would do either of these deliberately, the player must
gamemaster may not allow some Limitations to be bought off without come up with a reasonable explanation for how the Special Abil-
an excellent plot-related explanation, especially if the Limitation is ity has become less useful. Again, the gamemaster may take away
physical in nature. Unless the Enhancement or Limitation relates to Enhancement or Limitations based on the adventure situation and
the character’s understanding of the Special Ability, such as many does not necessarily have to award points for it.
 CHAPTER V
• Game Basics •
What’s in this Chapter
This chapter defines how to play the game, from rolling the dice
to using skills. The basic unit of game time, order of play, and what
players can have their characters do on a turn are explained. Sugges-
tions for determining the difficulty of actions are offered, including
some examples.
The introduction offered an overview of how the game works, so
some of this may look familiar. However, this chapter clarifies a lot
of special situations that undoubtedly will come up during play.
Rolling Dice
A die code shows how good a character is in a particular area, how
harmful a weapon is, how useful a Special Ability or tool is, and so
on. Each die code (also known as a value) indicates the number of
six-sided dice you roll (1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, etc.), and sometimes an
added bonus of “+1” or “+2” — referred to as pips — you add to the
total result you roll on the dice.
An Advantage, Special Ability, or piece of equipment may provide
a bonus to the roll. If the bonus is in the form of a die code (such as
+1D), then you add the listed number of regular dice to the amount
you would roll. If the bonus is in the form of a number (such as +2),
then you add the amount to the total that you rolled on the dice.
Example: A shovel adds 1D to digging attempts. A character
who decides to dig a hole uses her lifting skill. If your character has
a lifting skill of 4D, you would roll five dice to determine how well
your character dug the hole with the shovel.
Wild Die
Whenever any player, including the gamemaster, makes any roll,
one of the dice must be different from the rest (in size or color).
Designated as the Wild Die, this odd die represents the vagaries
of life — like the direction of the wind affecting the flight of
a bullet — that are too small to warrant their own difficulty
modifiers.
Example: Your character’s Agility attribute is 3D+1, so if
your character tried to jump onto a table, you would roll two
regular dice and one Wild Die.
If the player has only 1D to roll, then that one die is always
the Wild Die.
If the player rolls a 6 on the Wild Die, this is called a Critical
Success and she may add the 6 to her total and roll the Wild Die
again. As long as she turns up Critical Successes on that die, she
may continue to add them to her total and continue to roll. If
she rolls anything other than a 6, she adds that number to the
total and stops rolling.
If the player rolls a 1 on the initial toss of the Wild Die, this is
called a Critical Failure, and the gamemaster may chose one of two
options for the result, depending on the gravity of the situation.
1. The Critical Failure cancels out the highest roll. Then the player
adds the remaining values, and the roll is determined normally.
2. Add the dice results normally, but a complication occurs. The
gamemaster gauges the significance of the complication by the total
generated — from a funny, “nearly didn’t do it” result for a high total
to a serious, “we have a problem” obstacle for a low total. The game-
master could even decide that nothing happens — for now — and
use it as an excuse to spring a complication at a later time.
When using the second option, make certain the complication
chosen relates to the task attempted. It should serve as an extra,
minor obstacle the characters must now deal with or, more often, as
a place to insert a bit of comic relief. Only on rare occasions (such as
numerous poor decisions by the players) should a complication be
without solutions or even deadly. The complications can also serve
as opportunities to bring nearly invincible characters down to a more
reasonable level.
Note: Unlike rolling a Critical Failure initially on the Wild Die, no
complications occur when a 1 shows up on later tosses of the Wild
Die in the same roll.
Improving a Roll
The average person fails at average activities nearly half of the time.
Characters aren’t average people, so they need ways to beat those
odds. Thus, they have Character and Fate Points, which represent
those surges of adrenaline, sudden insights, and other unexplained
helpful acts of chance.
Players may not trade Character Points for Fate Points, nor may
they trade Fate Points for Character Points. A player may only spend
Alternate Die Rolling Options
Some gamemasters prefer rolling fewer dice. To this end, a die
code simplification chart has been included on page 142. It offers
two solutions for reducing the number of dice while retaining some
of the randomness of rolling dice.
For converting die codes in the middle of a game without referenc-
ing the table, multiply the number in front of the “D” by 3 for tasks that
ought to fail (such as the damage resistance total of a cannon fodder
character) or 4 for actions that ought to succeed (such as something
the players’ characters are doing). Add the pips to the total.
 Chapter 5
her Character and Fate Points on her character’s rolls. She may not
spend more Character or Fate Points than the character has listed on
her sheet. Except when allowed by the gamemaster for exceptionally
cinematic situations, players may not use Character Points and Fate
Points on the same roll.
Character Points
Whenever a player makes any roll (attribute, skill, damage, Special
Ability, and so on), he has the option to spend Character Points to
increase the total rolled. He may spend one Character Point for each
extra Wild Die rolled, to a maximum decided upon by the gamemaster
and based on the challenge level of the adventure. (For adventures
with easy challenges, the maximum is two; for more cinematic
adventures, the maximum is five; for universe-shaking ones, the
maximum is unlimited.)
A player may choose to spend Character Points before or after he
makes a roll — or both — but always before the gamemaster deter-
mines the result. The gamemaster need not tell the player whether
he should spend more points to improve a roll.
Extra Wild Dice gained from spending Character Points each work
like a normal Wild Die except that a Critical Failure counts as a 1;
it does not adversely affect the roll. Because of the special nature
of Character Point Wild Dice, the player may wish to roll these dice
separately from his normal Wild Die.
Once used, the character loses the point. Players get Character
Points for their characters by overcoming obstacles, roleplaying well,
and having fun. They can also use Character Points to improve skills
(see the “Improving Characters” chapter for details).
Fate Points
Each players’ character has a personal moral code, generally
involving a sense of honor and justice. The devotion to this code is
represented by Fate Points. Violating that code takes a little bit away
from that nature, which is represented by a loss of Fate Points.
• Page 48
Example: Heroic characters receive Fate Points for doing good,
such as protecting innocents, bringing an evil character to justice
(regardless of the justice system’s final decision), preventing damage,
and saving a life (except the character’s own). Heroic characters lose
Fate Points for performing evil actions, such as stealing, maliciously
destroying property, taking a life, and other terrible acts, especially
if they use Fate Points to accomplish that harm.
Individual ethical codes may differ from the heroic code, but the more
well-defined the code is, the easier it is for the gamemaster to determine
when to reward Fate Points — and when to take them away.
When a player feels she needs even greater help for her roll, she
may spend a Fate Point to double the number of dice she normally
gets for that roll. However, the player only rolls one Wild Die. Fur-
thermore, anything that’s not part of the character — weapon damage
die codes, equipment bonuses, and so on — is not doubled.
Example: Your character has a devices skill with a die code of
4D+2. Normally, you would roll three regular dice and one Wild Die
and add two pips to the total. But this time, you want to make sure
the villain’s siege engine can’t complete its purpose, so you spend a
Fate Point. This allows you to roll seven regular dice and one Wild
Die and add four pips to the total (for a total of 8D+4, or twice what
you’d normally roll).
Usually, a player may use only one Fate Point per roll per round,
though a character may improve several different actions in a
round with several different Fate Points expenditures. Particularly
beneficial or malicious deeds presented and roleplayed well by the
player or gamemaster may allow additional Fate Points to be spent
on a single roll.
In the general course of play, a Fate Point is useful for one roll
only. However, once per game session, a player may choose to spend
a Fate Point climactically, which doubles all of the character’s rolls
for that round. The gamemaster also may allow players to spend Fate
Points climactically several times during the highest point of the
adventure (the climax).
 Game Basics
Players may only spend Fate Points before making a roll. Fur-
thermore, double the initial number before applying any die code
penalties and bonuses.
Once used, the character loses the Fate Point — but she may earn
it back at the end of the game if it was used for a deed that supported
her moral code. However, if the character used a Fate Point to go
against her moral code, the gamemaster may decide that it costs an
additional Fate Point.
As characters become more experienced, the gamemaster may
include further restrictions on Fate Point use. Gamemasters might
allow moderately experienced characters (those with at least 6D in
several skills) to spend Fate Points only on actions that promote the
story line, while highly experienced characters (those with at least 9D
in several skills) might be permitted to use Fate Points only during
climactic moments in the campaign.
Using Skills
At those times when there’s a chance that a character may fail
at an action, that character must make a skill check. The player
decides what she wants her character to do and which skill is best
for accomplishing the task (sometimes with the help of the game-
master). The gamemaster determines a suitable difficulty number,
which the player must meet or beat by rolling the number of dice in
the skill and adding the results.
Untrained Skill Use
If a character doesn’t have dice in the skill required to attempt
an action, she generally may use the die code of the attribute under
which that skill falls. This is sometimes referred to as defaulting to
the attribute or using the skill untrained or unskilled. The game-
master may include an unskilled modifier to the difficulty. This
modifier takes into account that people who aren’t trained or don’t
have experience in certain tasks usually have a harder time doing
them. Typically, this modifier is +5, but it could be as low as +1 for
simple tasks or much higher for complex plans. The gamemaster may
rule that some situations, such as building a spaceship or perform-
ing brain surgery, are impossible for anyone to attempt without the
proper training and the correct skills.
When attributes are given in the text along with the skill, such as
in spell descriptions, resisting Wounds, and so on, do not apply the
untrained modifier. This also includes most uses of dodge and fighting
in combat situations, attempts to find clues in a room with search,
and resisting interaction attempts or mental attacks with mettle.
Game-Enhancing Cards
In this rulebook, you’ll occasionally find references to “card use.” One
of the unique features of certain West End Games systems is their game-
enhancing card decks. These cards can help players and gamemasters alter
outcomes, influence initiative, and make dramatic scenes even more excit-
ing. You can include one of these decks in your D6 Fantasy games with a
little tweaking. Check the West End Games Web site, www.westendgames.
com, for more information, including deck availability.
• Page 49
Alternate Attribute Option
Sometimes it makes more sense to base a skill on a different
attribute than the one it’s under by default. In such cases as the
gamemaster designates, subtract the skill value from the attribute
value to get the number of skill adds. Then add those skill adds to the
new attribute and roll away. Some example alternate skill-attribute
combinations (and the reason for using each attribute) include:
• Climbing, jumping, running, swimming: Physique for dis-
tance; Agility for obstacles
• Command: Charisma for leading others; Intellect for determin-
ing tactics
• Disguise: Acumen for creating the disguise, especially on some-
one else; Charisma for pulling off a disguise
• Flying: Physique for wings or to represent the physical strain
of rapid movement; Agility for obstacles
• Healing: Intellect for information and diagnosing; Coordination
for performing surgery
• Riding: Agility for using mounts as a means of transportation;
Agility for evaluating a mount or another’s style
• Traps: Intellect for information and recognizing systems; Acu-
men for setting traps
Game Time
Generally, time in a roleplaying game doesn’t matter too much. A
character may spend several hours searching a library, though only a
minute passes as far as the players and gamemaster are concerned.
To keep the story line moving, sometimes it’s necessary to skip the
tedious parts.
More intense scenes require more detail. In these cases, time
slows to units of five seconds called rounds. Each character may take
one action in the round with no penalty. Unless the character has
special skills or abilities, additional actions increase the difficulty of
performing each task; this concept is dealt with later, in the “Multiple
Actions” section. Once a round ends, the next one begins, continu-
ing until the scene ends (with the task completed, the opponent
subdued, and so on).
Since all characters in a scene are making actions in the same five-
second round, the actual length of game time taken up by an action is
usually less than five seconds. This is obviously the case when a single
character is performing multiple actions, but it is also true when one
character reacts to what another character is doing. Actions in rounds
are not simultaneous (actions out of rounds sometimes are).
Initiative
Once rounds have been declared and depending on the
situation, the gamemaster applies one of three methods
to determine in what order everyone goes. Determining
initiative does not count as an action.
Method 1
The first method is to allow whoever makes the first
significant action (such as those surprising other characters
in an ambush) to act first in the round. The characters retain
the same order until the scene ends.
 Chapter 5 • Page 50

Methods 2 & 3
The other two ways start out the same, by requiring the charac-
ters involved to make Acumen rolls to generate initiative totals. The
gamemaster makes one Acumen roll for each character or group of
characters he controls, depending on the number and how important
each character is to the adventure. The character with the highest
roll takes her action first. The character with the second highest roll
then takes his action, and so on. After the last character performs her
action, the round ends and a new one begins. Note that a character
rendered unconscious, immobile, or otherwise unable to act loses
his action for that round if he hasn’t taken it already.
The gamemaster may chose then to have everyone roll initiative
once for the entire scene (the faster method) or roll at the beginning
of each round (the more realistic yet slower way).
The gamemaster and players may use Character Points, but not
Fate Points, to increase their initiative rolls if they want. Spending
one Character Point, for example, allows the player or gamemaster
to add the result of one extra Wild Die roll to the initiative roll.

Ties/No Rolls
In the event of ties, or if the gamemaster chooses not to have the
players roll to determine initiative, comparing attribute and skill die
codes can decide the order of actions. The character with the high-
est value in the characteristic goes first, and so on. Once a character
has a spot in the order, it doesn’t change, regardless of how other
characteristics compare. Ties are broken by moving to the next fac-
tor and looking at those values. The order: (1) ability or talent that
allows the character to go first, (2) Acumen, (3) search, (4) Agility, (5)
dodge, (6) special equipment or situation that allows the character
to go before another character.

Optional Initiative Bonus

For every 2D over the base attribute in search (round down) or
4D in Agility (round down), a character receives +1 to his initiative
roll. Every six ranks in a Skill Bonus or Increased Attribute Special
Ability that affects Agility or search provides a +1 bonus.

Performing Actions in Rounds

A character does not need to declare what she intends to do until
her turn comes up in the round. Once the character decides to take her
turn, she may use as many actions as she wants, but her player must
determine the multi-action penalty for the total number of actions
that the character wishes to take in that round. The character does
not need to declare when figuring the multi-action penalty what she
intends to do with all of her actions. Note that waiting counts as an
action (once per each time the character wishes to wait). The charac-
ter may take no additional actions once the multi-action penalty is
figured. Any actions calculated into the multi-action penalty but that
the character did not use by the end of the round are lost.
A character may take a few actions, wait, take a few more, wait
again, and so on, as long as the player has declared a sufficient number
of actions in which to do everything she wants her character to do
(including waiting). Example: A character surprises a pickpocket. Because she got the
A character may only interrupt another character’s action if she jump on him, the gamemaster decides the character may act first in
has waited and after that character has made the skill roll and spent this round. The character decides to wait and see what the thief will
any points but before the gamemaster declares the result. do, choosing to take one other action this turn. The pickpocket takes
 Game Basics
a swing at her, so the character decides to dodge. If the character has
no ability that gives her extra actions, she may take only one action
without penalty. She chose to do two, so each action is at -1D. Since
her first action was waiting, which doesn’t require a roll, the penalty
for that action is ignored. However, because dodging requires the
roll, it does get the -1D penalty.
Only a few instances exist in which the gamemaster may permit
a character to “move up” her turn and react to another character’s
actions. These include catching a thrown object, resisting certain
mental attempts, and other situations that the gamemaster deems
appropriate. These do take the character’s action, though the player
can declare that her character will perform multiple actions in the
round. For the most part, having a turn later in the round than
another’s simply means that another character could take advantage
of the situation faster.
Multi-action Penalty
Characters may attempt to perform several tasks in a single
round, or, if the action takes longer than one round to complete, in
the same minimum time period. The more they try to do, however,
the less care and concentration they can apply to each action. It
becomes more difficult to succeed at all of the tasks. Thus, for most
characters, for each action taken beyond the first, the player must
subtract 1D from all skill or attribute rolls (but not damage, damage
resistance, or initiative rolls). Thus, trying to do four actions in one
round gives the character a -3D modifier to each roll. For characters
with an ability that increases their base number of actions, the
multi-action penalty doesn’t take effect until the character uses up
his allotment of actions. For example, if a character with an action
allotment of eight per round wants to do nine actions, each of the
nine actions is at -1D.
Only equipment and weapons suited for quick multiple actions
may be used several times (up to the limit of their capabilities) in a
round. Items with little or no reload time, like hands or small melee
weapons, are one example of this.
A character may not rely on any skill or attribute reduced to zero.
Actions that Take Time
Each entry on this nonexhaustive list counts as one action taking
no more than five seconds to perform. The gamemaster may decide
that certain types of actions offer a bonus or special effect and, thus,
have requirements to perform. The suggested skill to use with each
action is included at the end of the task’s description.
Bash: Hit an opponent with a blunt weapon. (melee combat)
Catch: Stop the movement of a thrown or dropped object or
person. (The catcher must act later in the round than the person
doing the throwing or dropping. This is one of the few cases where
a character may “move up” his turn.) (throwing)
Choke: Grab a person’s neck and gripping tightly. (fighting)
Communicate: Relay plans or exchange complex ideas and
information with other characters (more than a few words or one
sentence). (an interaction skill or only roleplaying)
Disarm: Remove an object from an opponent’s hand. This action
is treated as a called shot. (fighting, marksmanship, melee combat,
throwing)
Dodge: Actively evade an attack. (dodge)
• Page 51
Entangle: Throw an entangling weapon at an opponent.
(throwing)
Escape: Break a hold. (lifting)
Grab: Latch onto an opponent. Depending on where the opponent
was grabbed, he can take other actions. (fighting)
Kick: Strike out at an opponent with a foot. (fighting)
Leap: Jump over an opponent, onto a table, or any other such
maneuver. (jumping)
Lunge: Stab forward with a pointed weapon, such as a sword or
a knife. (melee combat)
Move: Maneuver 51% of the character’s Move or more around
the area. The gamemaster should call only for a roll if the terrain is
challenging or the maneuvering complex. During some rounds, the
gamemaster may decide that existing factors dictate all movement,
regardless of length, require an action. (running, swimming)
Parry: Block an opponent’s blow. (fighting, melee combat)
Pin: Trap an opponent by either holding him to the ground or
tacking a piece of his clothing to a wall or other nearby object. When
pinning the whole opponent, this is the same concept as tackling.
Pinning prevents the victim from using the fastened part. (fighting,
melee combat, marksmanship, throwing)
Punch: Strike out at an opponent with a fist. (fighting)
Push: Forcibly move an opponent. (fighting)
Ready a Weapon: Draw or reload a musket or bow, unsheathe a
knife, and similar actions. This generally does not require a skill roll,
but the gamemaster may chose to require one related to the weapon
in question for particularly stressful situations.
Run Away: Flee from the scene. (running)
Shoot: Fire a missile or projectile weapon. (marksmanship)
Slash: Swing an edged weapon. (melee combat)
Tackle: Bodily overcome an opponent. Once tackled, the oppo-
nent can do no other physical actions other than speak or attempt
to break the attacker’s grip. (fighting)
Throw a Weapon or Object: Toss something at an opponent.
(throwing)
Trip: Quickly force one or both of an opponent’s legs upward.
(fighting)
Use a Skill or Ability: Perform a quick action related to a Special
Ability the character possesses or a skill he wants to use. A character
may not use a Special Ability he does not have, though he may use a
skill he has no experience in (possibly at a penalty). Note that some
skills and Special Abilities take longer than one action or one round
to perform, so trying to do them in five seconds incurs penalties.
Vehicle Maneuver: Perform a stunt in a moving vehicle. (chari-
oteering, pilotry)
Waiting: Watch for a better opportunity to perform an action.
This does not require a skill roll, but it does take concentration.
Free Actions
Free actions are anything a character can automatically perform
except under the most extreme conditions. They don’t require a
skill roll or much effort. If the gamemaster thinks a task requires
concentration (and has a possibility of failure, thus requiring a skill
roll), it’s not a free action.
A few examples of free actions include:
• determining initiative
 Chapter 5
• speaking a few words to someone nearby
• a quick glance around a room (and possibly a roll of Acumen)
• moving 50% or less of the character’s Move over an easy area or
up to a meter over more challenging terrain
Additionally, the following player actions do not count as char-
acter actions:
• determining initiative
• rolling to resist damage
• rolling mettle or Charisma to determine the emotional effects of
the environment on the character
Related Skills
In some situations, two or more skills may suit the task at hand.
The gamemaster can declare that only one is suitable for the current
circumstances. Or he can choose the primary one and decide which
other skills are appropriate secondary, or related, skills that the
character can use to improve his chances with the primary skill. The
gamemaster sets difficulties for each skill. The character first performs
the related skills, and then he attempts the primary one.
To determine the related skill’s modifier to the primary skill, the
gamemaster subtracts the difficulty from the total rolled with the
related skill; this determines the number of result points from the
roll. Then he divides that number by 2, rounding up, to get the modi-
fier to the total rolled with the primary skill. The minimum related
skill modifier is 1. If the skill total was less than the difficulty, the
modifier is subtracted from the primary skill total. If the skill total
was equal to or greater than the difficulty, the modifier is added
to the primary skill total.
The character may perform the related skills and the primary skill
successively, but the related skill modifier is only good for the one
initially intended attempt and the character must make that attempt
within a short time of using the other skills. Should the character
decide to perform the primary skill and the related skill at the same
time, he takes the multi-action penalty.
Example: Your character wants to carefully place a trap so that
the existing structure enhances the trap’s design. You decide that
the character first examines the room for ideal locations (using the
search skill). Once examination has been completed and the search
roll has been made, your gamemaster lets you know that you beat the
• Page 52
difficulty by four points. This gives you a result points bonus of +2.
You apply the modifier to your traps roll only, which must take place
immediately after your character’s examination of the wall.
Gamemasters also can use the related-skills guidelines for deciding
how well one person can help another person.
Preparing
A character willing to spend twice as much time to complete a task
receives a +1D bonus for the die roll for every doubling of time, up
to a maximum bonus of +3D. However, the character can do noth-
ing else or be otherwise distracted (such as being beset by arrows
at) during this time.
Rushing
A character can also attempt to perform an action that normally
requires two or more rounds (10 seconds or more) in less time. The
difficulty increases depending on how much less time the character puts
into the task: +5 for 25% less time, +10 for 50% less time, and +20 for
75% less time. A character may not perform any task in less than 25%
of the normally needed time. Thus, to rush an hour-long research of a
wizard’s library into 30 minutes, the difficulty increases by +10.
Of course, not every task can be rushed. If in doubt, the game-
master should ask the player to justify how the character can speed
up the task.
Groups
To save time, gamemasters may chose to roll one action for a group
of characters he controls. Any number can belong to the group. Each
member of the group does not have to perform exactly the same
maneuver, but they do need to take similar actions. A gamemaster
could make one roll for a pack of wolves who attack different char-
acters, but he would have to separate the pack into those attacking
and those circling if the gamemaster wanted to have them perform
those distinctly different activities.
Choosing Difficulties
There are two possibilities for assigning difficulties to a specific
action: a difficulty number or an opposed roll. Generally, the adventure
specifies the difficulty and what skill is needed, but the gamemaster
may come across circumstances that were not foreseen. In such cases,
use these guidelines to decide what to do.
Certain circumstances (typically involving a character attempt-
ing a task without a force actively opposing her, such as climbing
a wall or piloting a boat) may call for a static difficulty number. In
these cases, select a standard difficulty or use a special difficulty.
Circumstances involving an actively opposing force call for an
opposed difficulty.
Standard Difficulties
A standard difficulty is a number that the gamemaster assigns to an
action based on how challenging the gamemaster thinks it is. Existing
conditions can change the difficulty of an action. For instance, walking
has an Automatic difficulty for most characters, but the gamemaster
may require someone who is just regaining the use of his legs to make
a Very Difficult running roll to move even a few steps.
 Game Basics
The numbers in parentheses indicate the
range of difficulty numbers for that level.
Automatic (0): Almost anyone can
Generic Standard
perform this action; there is no need to roll. Difficulties
(Generally, this difficulty is not listed in a pre-
Level
generated adventure; it is included here for Automatic
reference purposes.)
Very Easy
Very Easy (1–5): Nearly everyone can Easy
accomplish this task. Typically, tasks with such
a low difficulty only are rolled when they are
Moderate
Difficult
crucial to the scenario. Very Difficult
Heroic
Easy (6–10): Although characters usually
have no difficulty with this task, an untrained Legendary
character may find it challenging.
Moderate (11–15): There is a fair chance
that the average character will fail at this type
of task. Tasks of this type require skill, effort, and concentration.
Difficult (16–20): Those with little experience in the task must
have a lot of luck to accomplish this type of action.
Very Difficult (21–25): The average character only rarely succeeds
at these kinds of task. Only the most talented regularly succeed.
Heroic (26–30), Legendary (31 or more): These kinds of tasks
are nearly impossible, though there’s still a slim chance that lucky
average or highly experienced characters can accomplish them.
Opposed Difficulties
An opposed difficulty (also called an opposed roll) applies when
one character resists another character’s action. In this case, both
characters generate skill totals and compare them. The character with
the higher value wins, and ties go to the initiator of the action.
In an opposed task, since both characters are actively doing
something, both the initiator and the resisting character use up
actions. This means that the resisting character can only participate
• Page 53
in an opposed task either if he waited for the
initiating character to make a move or if he was
actively preparing for the attempt. Otherwise,
the gamemaster may allow a reaction roll of
the appropriate skill as a free action in some
Number circumstances, or he may derive a difficulty (see
0
the derived entry under “Special Difficulties”
1–5 for an example).
6–10
11–15
16–20
Special Difficulties
21–25 There are two special and optional difficul-
26–30 ties: Wild Die Only and derived.
31 or more Wild Die Only: The standard difficulty of an
action may be so much lower than a character’s
skill value that rolling and totalling dice would
waste time. However, the gamemaster may feel
that the situation is such that a complication could greatly affect the
outcome of the scene. In such cases, the game master may require
the player to roll the Wild Die. A Critical Success result indicates that
some special bit of good fortune occurred, while a Critical Failure
indicates a minor complication. Any other result shows that the
result is successful, though nothing special.
Derived: Any time one character does something to another
character or animate creature or object, the base difficulty equals 2
times the target’s relevant opposing attribute or skill and add the
pips. Gamemasters may further modify derived values, as the situ-
ation warrants. Derived values do not get the unskilled modifier if
they are determined from the governing attribute.
Example: Your character attempts to intimidate a street urchin.
The gamemaster could use the standard intimidation difficulty of 10
or she could derive one from the urchin’s mettle skill, or, if he doesn’t
have one, the governing attribute, Charisma. If his Charisma has a
die code of 3D, then the base derived difficulty is 6.

Generic Difficulty Modifiers

Modifier Situational Example
+16 or more Overwhelming disadvantage: Something affects the skill use in an almost crippling fashion (repairing armor without
any proper tools).
+11–15 Decisive disadvantage: The skill use is very limited by circumstance (trying to find someone in complete darkness).
+6–10 Significant disadvantage: The skill use is affected negatively (tracking someone through drizzling rain).
+1–5 Slight disadvantage: There is an annoying problem (picking a lock by candlelight).
-1–5 Slight advantage: A tool or modification that makes the skill use a little easier (a springy surface for jumping).
-6–10 Significant advantage: A tool or modification that makes the skill use much easier (rope with knots is used for
climbing).
-11–15 Decisive advantage: A tool specifically designed to make the job easier (a well-stocked set of herbs and bandages for
healing).
-16 or more Overwhelming advantage: An exceptional tool or modification that specifically makes the skill use much easier (complete
set of wilderness tools and equipment specially designed to help with survival).
 Chapter 5
Generic Modifiers
The modifiers offered in a skill’s list or a pregenerated adventure
may not cover all the gamemaster’s needs. When conditions arise for
which there aren’t pre-established modifiers, use the chart herein to
help at those times. Gamemasters can add these modifiers to opposed,
standard, or derived difficulty values.
Good Roleplaying Modifier
Gamemasters should reward good roleplaying by lowering the
difficulty a few points. The better the roleplaying — and the more
entertaining the player makes the scenario — the higher the modifier
the gamemaster should include.
Unskilled Attempts
Remember that someone without training or experience might,
with blind luck, do better than someone with experience — but
generally only that one time. There is no guarantee of future suc-
cess. When a character defaults to the attribute, figure in not only
a difficulty modifier of +1, +5, or more, but also adjust the result
accordingly; the result won’t happen as precisely or stylishly as
someone with skill.
Determining Success
If the total rolled on the dice is greater than the difficulty, the
attempt was a success. Ties generally go to the initiator of the action,
but certain circumstances dictate otherwise (such as the use of some
Special Abilities or determining the amount of damage done). The
description of the ability, challenge, or activity explains the results.
Result Points
Result points refer to the difference between the skill roll and the
difficulty. The gamemaster can use the result points to decide how
well the character completed the task. The gamemaster may allow a
player to add one-half of the result points (rounded up) as a bonus
to another skill roll or Extranormal or Special Ability effect. One-fifth
of the result points from an attack roll can be included as bonus to
damage. (Round fractions up.)
Second Chances
As characters tackle obstacles, they’ll find ones that they can’t
overcome initially. Gamemasters must rely on their judgment to decide
whether and when a character may try an action again. For some
actions, such as marksmanship or running, the character may try the
action again the next turn, even if she failed. For other actions, such
as crafting or bluff, failing the roll should have serious consequences,
depending on how bad the failure was. A small difference between
the difficulty number and the success total means the character may
try again next round at a higher difficulty. A large difference means
that the character has made the situation significantly worse. She
will need to spend more time thinking through the problem or find
someone or something to assist her in her endeavor. A large differ-
ence plus a Critical Failure could mean that the character has created
a disaster. She can’t try that specific task for a long time — perhaps
ever. This is especially true with locks and some devices.
• Page 54
Result Points & Success
Here are some guidelines for describing different levels of suc-
cess. Use the result points of the roll — the difference between
the skill total and the difficulty — to decide on the exact level.
Minimal (0): The total was just barely enough. The character
hardly succeeded at all, and only the most minimal effects apply.
If “minimal effects” are not an option, then maybe the action
took longer than normal to succeed.
Solid (1–4): The action was performed completely, but
without frills.
Good (5–8): The results were better than necessary and
there may be added benefits.
Superior (9–12): There are almost certainly additional
benefits to doing an action this well. The character performed
the action better, faster, or more adeptly than expected.
Spectacular (13–16): The character performed the action
deftly and expertly. Observers would notice the ease or grace
with which the action was performed (if applicable).
Incredible (17 or more): The character performed the skill
with such dazzling quality that, if appropriate to the task, it could
become the subject of conversation for some time — it’s at least
worth writing home about. Gamemasters should dole out some
significant bonuses for getting this large of a roll.
Example: A character who trying to use the survival skill to
forage for food gets a minimal success — she finds “subsistence
level” food; it’s barely better than garbage. The next day she gets
a spectacular result — not only does she locate good, wholesome
food, but she finds enough for two days instead of one.
Gamemaster’s Fiat
The rules are a framework upon which the gamemasters and their
friends build stories set in fantastic and dynamic worlds. As with
most frameworks, the rules work best when they show the least, and
when they can bend under stress. Keeping to the letter of the rules is
almost certainly counterproductive to the whole idea of making an
engaging story and having fun. To keep a story flowing with a nice
dramatic beat, gamemasters might need to bend the rules, such as
reducing the significance of a modifier in this situation but not in
another one, or allowing a character to travel a meter or two beyond
what the movement rules suggest.
Common Difficulties &
Modifiers
You can find the more commonly referenced difficulties listed
on the Reference Sheet at the back of this book. With these plus the
generic difficulties and modifiers described previously, you can run
just about any adventure. The next several chapters include more,
and more detailed, difficulties.
 CHAPTER VI

• Movement •
What’s in this Chapter Example: A char-
acter with a run-
Getting from here to there by any means – running, swimming, fly- ning Move of 10 and
ing, using a vehicle, you name it – is what this chapter’s all about. without the climbing
skill wants to move
Running quickly up a tree.
The difficulty to cover rapidly a distance on foot is determined by His base climbing
the number of extra movements the character takes. One movement Move is 5. To increase
equals the character’s Move value; two movements equals twice the this to eight meters
Move value, and so on. For each movement beyond the first, add 5 per round means a
to the base difficulty of zero. difficulty of 20 (5 to
climb the tree plus
Example: A character with a Move of 10 who wants to move 20
+10 to increase the
meters in one round has a running difficulty of 5, while a character
movement by one-
who wants to move 40 meters has a difficulty of 15.
half, or three meters,
A character who fails his running roll in the first round covers
of his base climbing
only his Move or may even trip, depending on how badly the player
Move).
missed the roll. See the “Accelerating and Decelerating” section for
details on what happens in subsequent rounds. Additional modi-
fiers can be found in
Swimming the “Example Skill
Difficulties” chapter.
A hero’s swimming Move equals half his normal Move (rounded
up). One movement while swimming equals the swimming Move,
two movements equals twice the swimming Move, and so on. Increas- Jumping
ing this rate likewise increases the base difficulty of 5 by +5 for each A character’s total
movement beyond the first. Thus, the difficulty for a character to leaping distance (ver-
move 2 times his swimming speed is 10 (5 for the base difficulty plus tically and horizon-
5 for the additional movement). tally) from a standing
Without preparation, a character may hold his breath for a number position equals one-
of seconds equal to 5 times a roll of his Physique or stamina. Pre- quarter of his Move in
oxygenating his lungs gives a character a bonus. The maximum any meters (rounded up).
character can hold his breath with preparation is 10 times a roll of The base difficulty is 5
his stamina in seconds, though this requires having the stamina skill. to move this distance,
The bonus should be much less for the average person. and +10 for each addi-
A character who fails his swimming roll begins to drown, taking 1D tional two meters
in damage each round that he misses his roll. Furthermore, difficulty to (vertically and hori-
remain afloat increases by +3 for each round that the character misses zontally) the charac-
the roll. The damage total and the swimming modifier are cumulative ter hopes to cover. If
and the failed rounds need not be consecutive (though they must be there is enough room,
within the same period of time spent in the water). the character may
try running before
Climbing jumping. The character may add 5 to his skill total per round of the
running start, up to a maximum of +10 (two rounds). The character
Characters who have the climbing skill can move up a surface at must have beat the running difficulty in both rounds in order to get
their normal Move (barring adverse environmental factors) with a base the full bonus.
difficulty of 5. Those without such a skill move at half their normal Additional modifiers can be found in the “Example Skill Difficul-
movement rate. Increasing the rate increases the difficulty by +10 for ties” chapter.
each additional one-half of the base climbing Move (rounded up).
 Chapter 6
Movement Difficulty Modifiers
Base Difficulty for Characters: 0 (running); 5 (other movement)
Situation Modifier
Easy terrain (flat surface, smooth water,
using a ladder, light breeze, light rain or fog) 0 ond round, he can increase his speed to 40 meters, which has
Moderate terrain (uneven surface, small obstacles,
choppy water, climbing a tree, strong winds,
heavy rain or fog) +5
Rough terrain (large but negotiable obstacles, strong undercurrent,
climbing a rough wall, flying near
unyielding obstacles such as pillars or trees) +10
Very rough terrain (dense and large obstacles,
stormy weather, a few airborne hazards, hail) +15
Hazardous terrain (minefield, narrow walkway,
many airborne hazards, large waves, climbing a
smooth surface, complete darkness) +20
Very hazardous terrain (corridor filled with falling
debris and explosions, swimming or flying in
a hurricane) +25 or more
Flying Characters
Characters who fly do so at the base rate designated in the Special
Ability, spell, miracle, or equipment description. To increase this rate,
use the same rules as for running, except that the character relies on
the flying skill. Characters may not use this skill unless they have a
means of propelling themselves through the air.
See the “Vehicles and Aerial Characters” section later in this
chapter for more details on flying movement.
Short Distances
A character may move up to 50% of his movement rate (swim-
ming, flying, or base Move) without this counting as an action. Thus,
a character with a base Move of 10 could move five meters on land
or 2.5 meters in the water with no action penalty.
Maximum Movement
Characters may perform only one movement action of each type
per round, unless a Special Ability allows them to do otherwise.
Gamemasters may choose to limit the speed at which characters
may travel to 4 times the Move rate for each type of movement.
Accelerating & Decelerating
When it becomes important to the scenario, such as a race or a
chase scene, the gamemaster may choose to include acceleration and
deceleration maximums.
A character may increase or decrease his current movement rate
by up to 2 times that rate, regardless of whether his movement roll
would allow him to travel a greater distance. The maximum increase
or decrease is 2 times the character’s base Move for that type of
movement.
• Page 56
Example: A character with a base walking Move of 10 has
a maximum swimming change of 10 — 2 times his swimming
Move of 5.
Example: A character with a Move of 10 is chasing a thief,
who just swiped his coin bag. In the first round, he may move
up to 20 meters, which has a running difficulty of 5. In the sec-
a running difficulty of 15. If, in the second round, the player
generates a running total of 20, by the acceleration rules, he may
only move 40 meters, even though his running total meets the
difficulty to move 50 meters.
Similarly, if a character does not make a movement roll that
would allow him to move at the previous round’s rate, that
character automatically slows by 2 times his base Move. In
other words, subtract 2 times the base Move from the current
movement rate to get the new movement rate. If this makes
the current movement zero, then the character stops. If it’s less
than zero, the character trips.
Example: The character chasing the thief increased his
speed to a rate of 40 meters per round. To maintain this speed,
his player needs to continue generating a total of 15 with the
character’s running skill. If the player gets less than 15, then
his character’s speed drops to 20 meters per round (40 minus
2 times her base Move of 10).
Fatigue
Keep in mind that most characters cannot move rapidly for long
periods of time. Determine a suitable length of time depending on
existing conditions, the Physique of the character, and any relevant
Special Abilities she has. Any additional fast movement beyond
that predetermined length requires a fatigue modifier of +3 to the
difficulty for each additional round that she continues running. The
modifier is cumulative. Thus, one round beyond the maximum is +3,
two rounds is +6, and so on.
The gamemaster may use the fatigue modifier for any repetitive
action performed for an extended period of time. They can also use it
as the modifier to a base difficulty of 5 when using the stamina
or mettle skill in an attempt to overcome the fatigue.
Other Movement
Options
The gamemaster may include additional modifiers
or require an additional related skill roll for any form
of movement, depending on surrounding conditions,
such as high winds, numerous obstacles, slick sur-
faces, sharp turns, and so on.
Vehicles & Aerial
Characters
Vehicle actions work like normal
character actions, with some
additional game mechanics
for special situations.
 Movement • Page 57
Much of the information found in this section applies equally
well to flying characters and creatures, particularly the details
on stunts. Stunt Difficulties & Modifiers
See also the “Sailing Ships” sidebar for other modifiers.
Vehicle Movement Difficulty
Vehicles, including those pulled by animals, have five speeds Condition Modifier
of movement: stopped, cautious, cruising, high, and all-out. For All Vehicles
Drivers and pilots of vehicles may make one movement action Docking (water), “parking” in a specific spot (land) +6
per round. Regaining control (in situations other than
• Stopped: The vehicle is motionless. This requires no roll. sideswiping) +15
• Cautious: The vehicle travels at half its Move. This is generally Moving on a straight way 0
a free action requiring no roll, but terrain conditions may increase Sideswiping +10
it from its base difficulty of zero. Easy turn (less than 45 degrees from current direction) +3
• Cruising: The vehicle travels at its Move. This requires an Fast 45-degree turn +6
action, but since it has a base difficulty of zero, the character need Fast 90-degree turn +12
only roll if movement conditions dictate otherwise. Fast 180-degree turn +18
• High: The vehicle travels at twice its Move. This requires a For Water or Magical Vehicles
charioteering or pilotry roll with a base difficulty of 5, modified by Ramming +10
existing conditions. For Land and Water Vehicles
• All-out: The vehicle travels at four times its Move. This Moved or moving over debris +3
requires a charioteering or pilotry roll with a base difficulty of 10, Limited maneuvering or docking area +3
modified by existing conditions.
For Land Vehicles
Vehicles may travel anywhere between half their current speed Off-road +6
and the full current speed at each level. Rapid acceleration and
deceleration are considered stunts and dealt in the next section. For Aerial Characters and Creatures
Use the running rules earlier in this chapter to determine the Unlimited landing area -3
rate at which creatures pulling the vehicle travel. Each vehicle lists Limited landing area +3
the pulling rate for the animal while attached to it. Almost no landing area +6
Rough or unsteady landing area +3 or more
Stunts Climb or dive of 45 degrees or more
from current direction +6 or more
For normal vehicle use or casual flying under ideal conditions,
a character need not make a skill roll. When the conditions turn Terrain Conditions
less than favorable or he decides to attempt a fancy maneuver,
For modifiers due to various terrain or weather conditions, use
his charioteering or pilotry skill plus the vehicle’s Maneuverability
the “Movement Difficulty Modifiers” table.
code or his flying skill determines his success. A character’s animal
handling roll may help (or hinder!) the operation of vehicles pulled Vehicle Familiarity
by creatures.
Use the following table when a character is not familiar with
Rapid acceleration and deceleration also warrant rolls, enhanced
the vehicle she needs to operate. If the character does not have the
by the vehicle’s Maneuverability, to see if the operator maintains
charioteering or pilotry skill at all, these difficulties are in addition
control. These maneuvers have an initial difficulty equal to the
to the untrained modifier.
speed at which the vehicle is traveling, adjusted based on existing
conditions (see the “Stunt Difficulties and Modifiers” chart for Vehicle Type Modifier
some suggestions). A vehicle may reduce or increase movement by Very common or simple (wagon, canoe) +3
two levels in one round. Failing this roll means that the character Common (chariot, carriage) +6
has lost control for one round. If some immovable force doesn’t Moderately common (rowboat) +8
stop the vehicle or character during that round, he may attempt Uncommon (small sailboat) +11
to regain control on the following round. Unusual (large sailing ship) +14
Captains in charged of crews need to make periodic command Rare (vehicle using an uncommon animal) +17
rolls. (See the command entry on page 76 for difficulty suggestions.) Exotic (vehicle from the future) +20
Based on the difference between the difficulty and the roll, the Has a manual or instructions for the vehicle in
crew might help or hinder the pilot’s efforts — and perhaps even a language the character can understand -3
that of the gunners!
For land vehicles, if the character fails the charioteering roll, the
vehicle misses its target, veers to the side, and stops — perhaps
even loses its pulling creatures or topples over if the roll was bad
enough. If the vehicle can still move, the character must then
 Chapter 6
spend one round regaining control of the animals and another in
getting the vehicle back where she wants it. Should the character
instead succeed, she keeps the vehicle reasonably straight and may
try for another stunt on the next turn.
If a character wishes to perform any other actions in addition to
charioteering. pilotry, or flying, he must make the appropriate skill
rolls for all actions, reduced by the multi-action penalty, regardless
of the situation. The base difficulty for normal operation becomes 5.
Stunts still have their established base difficulties.
Ramming & Sideswiping Vehicles
Ramming is done with the nose of a vehicle, while sideswiping is
done with its side. Only water vehicles or magical conveyances not
requiring animals to pull it may ram. Any vehicle may sideswipe.
The pilot of a water vehicle that rams another vehicle automatically
loses all actions the next round, trying to keep the boat from tipping
or spinning. About the best she can hope for is to limp back to land.
Both vehicles take damage (the mechanics of this are explained
later in this section) in a successful ram or sideswipe.
Targeting the Creatures
If the creature pulling a vehicle is incapacitated or killed, the
vehicle is considered to crash at its current speed. (This is also the
case if only one creature in a team is killed or incapacitated.) The game
characteristics for a typical horse are given on page 126.
Sailing Ships
To determine a random wind speed, once per day, roll one Wild Die, taking a Critical Failure
result as a 1 but treating a Critical Success as normal. To get the number of meters per round,
subtract 1 from the final value. To find the direction, roll one regular die and compare the
result to the “Situation” table.
Gamemasters may use these modifiers instead of or in addition to the weather modifiers
listed in the “Movement Difficulty Modifiers” table.
Difficulty
Result Wind Speed
0 Becalmed* (0–5 kph, 0–0.3 m/round)
1 Light breeze (6–19 kph, 0.4–1 m/round
2 Moderate winds (20–38 kph, 1.1–2 m/round)
3 Strong winds (39–61 kph, 2.1–3.4 m/round)
4 Gale** (62–86 kph, 3.5–4.9 m/round)
5 Storm** (87–116 kph, 5–6.5 m/round)
6 Hurricane** (117 or more kph,
or more 6.6 or more m/round)
Result Situation
1 Sailing into the wind
2 Close hauled (wind from 45 degree off bow)
3, 4 Reaching (wind from either side of the vessel)
5 Quartering (wind from 45 degrees off stern)
6 Running free (wind from directly behind)
*No movement possible.
**Loss of control in a gale, storm, or hurricane indicates travel at all-out speed in direction of
the wind.
• Page 58
Rather than killing the creatures or creatures, an attacker might try
to “spook” it or them. All but the best-trained horses will be spooked
by explosions or fire. To spook a creature, a character must have the
means at hand to create such an effect (such as a flintlock pistol or
a mystic bolt spell), and must generate an intimidation total against
the creature’s mettle or Charisma. If the intimidation total meets or
beats the creature’s total, the effect spooks the creature.
With a scared creature, the driver of the vehicle must generate a
charioteering or pilotry total (including the Maneuverability) against
a difficulty equal to the animal’s mettle or Charisma total +9 to bring
it under control. If the driver fails, the creature gallops away at top
speed, towing the vehicle behind it. If the creature is a member of a
team, the entire team panics and gallops off. The creature and carriage
travel at “panic speed,” a rate equal to 4 times the creature’s Move.
Each round, the driver can make another charioteering or pilotry
roll to gain control of the creature or creatures. For each round that
the vehicle is traveling at panic speed, it suffers damage as if it had
been hit by an attack (equal to 5D on a road or smooth surface,
6D when on rough ground). Obviously, a panicked team can easily
destroy a carriage.
Vehicle Attacking & Dodging
The base difficulty to hit a vehicle is 10, modified by distance and
the sizes of the attacker and the defender (using the scale modifier
listed in the “Combat Options” chapter). That means a person shooting
a large carriage has a +6 to his attack
total, while a carriage sideswiping
another carriage has no modifier.
If the driver wishes to fire a
weapon, she must make both an Easy
charioteering or pilotry roll (modified
by the vehicle’s Maneuverability code)
and a marksmanship roll. Because she’s
doing two actions, she also incurs a
multi-action penalty to both rolls. Pas-
sengers may shoot with few or no pen-
Modifier alties. (Note that these actions would
— not be possible in some vehicles.)
+5 A character may also attempt
0 to maneuver the vehicle out of the
-5 way of incoming projectiles or other
+5 vehicles. Instead of the dodge skill,
+10–15 the character uses her charioteering or
pilotry skill plus the vehicle’s Maneu-
+20 verability code. Use the active partial
or full defense rules for characters to
Modifier
determine the new defense total. The
+15
defense total becomes the new combat
+10
difficulty and is in effect until the
0
character’s turn in the next round.
-5
-10
Vehicle Damage
When a vehicle takes damage from
a weapon or another vehicle, it’s the
level of destruction that matters. For
this reason, vehicles simply use a dam-
 Movement • Page 59
age level system (similar to Wounds), rather than having Body Points.
Use the following guidelines and compare the result to the “Vehicle
& Passenger Damage” chart to figure out the level of damage the Speed Damage Modifier
vehicle has sustained. (Injury to creatures is determined separately Level* Damage
and using the same rules as characters.) Stopped 2D
A vehicle’s damage resistance total equals its Toughness plus Cautious 4D
the value of any armor. Character Points or Fate Points may not be Cruise 6D
spent on this roll. High 8D
With weapons, compare the weapon’s damage total to the target’s All-out, panic speed 10D
damage resistance total. *Level at which the damaged vehicle is traveling.
Modify the damage total of the attacker or the damage resis-
tance total of the target by the scale modifier, as appropriate for Collision Damage Modifier
the situation.
Situation Modifier
When a vehicle collides with something else, decide how fast it
Head-on +3D
was going when it made the collision and modify it based on the cir-
Rear-end, sideswipe -3D
cumstances of the collision. Compare that to the damage resistance
Nose to side 0
total. Should two vehicles be involved, both take damage. See the
Into something very hard 0
sidebar for the speed and collision modifiers.
Into something yielding -1D or more
Note that destroying a vehicle does not necessarily immobilize
the creatures pulling it. Creatures well integrated are trapped, while Note: Modifiers are cumulative. Situation is the one in which
those hitched with a couple of rods in front simply end up pulling the damaged vehicle is.
that part of the vehicle away.

Crew & Passenger Injuries

Depending on how badly damaged the vehicle becomes, the crew
and passengers may be harmed, too. Use the “Passengers Suffer” col- Leaping Out of a Vehicle
umn of the “Vehicle & Passenger Damage” chart as a guideline. Adjust Leaving a land or water vehicle moving at less than 10 kilometers
it based on how much the passengers are exposed (for example, open per hour is a Very Easy acrobatics or Agility roll (or jumping if the
wagons and canoes offer little protection to their cargo). character leaps from the vehicle). Unless the character lands wrong
(by failing the roll), he receives no damage. Oth-
erwise, he takes six points of damage or loses one
Wound level.
Vehicle & Passenger Damage
Damage Total > Vehicle Passengers Repairing a Vehicle
Resistance Total By Damage Suffer ... The difficulty to repair a damaged vehicle
1–3 Very Light No damage depends on the amount of damage and availability
4–8 Light 1/4 damage total of parts and tools. See the crafting skill description
9–12 Heavy 1/2 damage total in the “Example Skill Difficulties” chapter for dif-
13–15 Severe 3/4 damage total ficulty and modifier suggestions.
16+ Destroyed All damage total
Note: All modifiers are cumulative. A vehicle may take an unlimited number of Very Sample Vehicles
Light and Light levels of damage until it receives Heavy damage. At Heavy or above, any See the “Equipment” chapter for sample land
additional level of damage above Very Light bumps the damage to the next level. and water vehicles, their costs, and their game
Very Light: The vehicle’s Maneuverability drops by 1D for this round and the characteristics.
next.
Light: Either the vehicle’s Maneuverability drops by 1D, or top Move speed is
decreased by one level. The drop or modifier remains until repaired.
Heavy: Either the vehicle’s Maneuverability drops by 2D, or top Move speed is
decreased by two levels. The loss or modifier remains until repaired.
Severe: The vehicle is out of control, decelerating by two levels each round until
it comes to a stop or crashes into something.
Destroyed: The vehicle will never operate again.
 CHAPTER VII
• Combat •
What’s in this Chapter
This chapter provides an extended description of one of the most
rules-intensive aspects of roleplaying: combat.
When resolving a situation calls for force, time becomes broken
into rounds, which were discussed in the “Rounds and Initiative”
section of the “Game Basics” chapter. Within these rounds, three
steps occur: (1) generating initiative; (2) attacking and defending; (3)
determining damage; (4) repeating the steps, if necessary. Discover
herein what happens in each of those steps.
Step 1: Generating Initiative
As discussed in the “Game Basics” chapter, determine initiative
based on the first significant action or on initiative rolls. Then go on
to Step 2.
Step 2: Attacking &
Defending
This is where the interesting stuff happens. The person whose
turn it is gets to decide what type of action her character is going to
do. Once she chooses, she makes a skill roll.
Note that a character need not attempt to engage in combat, but
this chapter only discusses what to do if the player decides to attack,
defend, or do both (typically with a multi-action penalty).
Base Combat Difficulty
The base difficulty to attack someone is 10 (called the target’s
passive defense value) or the target’s active defense value, modified
by range and other factors.
Active Defense
The target character can opt to use an “active defense,” which
affects all attacks that occur after the defender’s turn in the current
round but before the defender’s turn the next round. Active defenses
are defensive maneuvers that the target consciously exercises, such
as dodging, blocking, or parrying. Each of these is represented by a
skill and counts as an action.
A character may make an active defense only when his turn comes
up in the initiative line, but the total for the roll is effective for all
relevant attacks made against the character that occur after the
character’s current turn but before his turn in the next round.
Remember: If a character acts later in a round than the character
attempting to hit him, he cannot take his turn sooner and use an
active defense to replace the passive defense value — his reactions
just weren’t fast enough.
If the roll is lower than the passive defense value, the character
has succeeded in making himself easier to hit — by miscalculating
where the attack would be placed and actually getting in its way.
The active defense total is modified as the situation dictates.
Dodge: The character attempts to anticipate the final location of
an attack from any source and be in another place when it comes.
This is done by rolling the dodge skill.
Block/Parry: The character attempts to stop his opponent’s attack
by intercepting it and either stopping it with a block or deflecting it
with a parry. The character may roll his fighting or melee combat (if he
has something in his hands) to block it. If the character uses a sharp
weapon (sword or dagger, for example) to parry an unarmed blow and
is successful at the block, the attacker takes damage from the weapon.
However, do not add the defender’s Physique to the listed weapon
damage score when determining injuries inflicted this way.
If the opponent strikes at the character with a bladed hand weapon
and the character uses any part of his body to intercept the attack,
the defender always takes the weapon’s damage total. If the block
was successful, then the attacker’s Strength Damage is not added
to the listed score. If the block was unsuccessful, then the target
character takes damage as normal. The character may avoid this
aspect by having armor, a special ability, or a suitable close combat
specialization in melee parry.
Full Defense
A character who foregoes all of her actions for a round to com-
pletely protect herself from attacks makes a full defense. The total
rolled by the skill plus 10 takes the place of the base combat difficulty
from the time the character makes the full defense on her turn to
her turn in the next round.
Full active defense value = any active defense skill roll + 10
Vehicle Combat
When characters use vehicles, the basic combat rules are
the same; the difference exists in which skill to use. Vehicles
cannot block or parry. The driver may only make defensive
maneuvers (“dodge”); he uses his charioteering or pilotry plus
the vehicle’s Maneuverability rating to determine the new
combat difficulty. Ramming or sideswiping with a vehicle
requires the driver to make a charioteering or pilotry roll (see
the “Vehicles and Aerial Characters” section of the “Move-
ment” chapter for details).
 Combat • Page 61
Partial Defense targets, but they cannot themselves do anything else in the round
A character who chooses to do something else in addition to in which they aim. Each consecutive round of uninterrupted aiming
guarding against attacks may take a partial defense. In this case, adds 1D to the character’s marksmanship or throwing skill, up to a
the active defense roll replaces the base combat difficulty from the maximum bonus of +3D.
time the character takes his turn in one round to his turn in the
next round. This total replaces the base combat difficulty even if the Determining Success
result is less than 10. Once the combat difficulty has been determined, the attacker rolls
Partial active defense value = any active defense skill roll the die code in his character’s combat skill and compares the total
to the combat difficulty. If it equals or exceeds the combat difficulty,
Since the character is taking multiple actions, the multi-action the attack hits, probably doing damage or having another effect that
penalty applies. the attacker intended. If it was less than the combat difficulty, then
The gamemaster may call for a partial defense roll (as a free action) the attack misses.
if he decides that the character might have a little awareness of an
impending attack, yet not enough foresight to prepare for it.
Step 3: Determining Damage
Optional Passive Defense Modifier If a character successfully hits his target, he may have done damage
For every 2D in Agility or dodge above 4D (round up), a character to it. To determine the amount of injury caused, roll the damage die
receives a +1 to her passive defense value. This modi-
fier does not affect the character’s active defense
total. Every six ranks in a Skill Bonus or Increased
Attribute Special Ability that affects Agility or dodge
Common Combat Difficulty Modifiers
provides a +1 bonus, as specified for the skill in Range
question. Range Distance to Target Modifier
Example: A character with 4D in Agility gets Point Blank 0–3 meters -5
no bonus, while a character with 7D in acrobatics Short 3 meters to first value* 0
has a +2 bonus. Medium First to second value* +5
Long Second to third value* +10
Combat Difficulty Modifiers *Values refer to values given in the weapon’s range listing.
Here are a few of the most frequently used
modifiers to the combat difficulty. Others are dis- Estimating Ranges
cussed in “Combat Options” chapter. Regardless Gamemasters who aren’t interested in looking up weapon ranges and figur-
of the number of modifiers used, the total combat ing out the distance to the target can estimate what modifiers to use with these
difficulty may never go below 3. guidelines.
The gamemaster rolls the indicated modifier and
 A target within a few steps of the attacker is a Point Blank range.
adds it to the combat situation. A standard modifier
 An attacker firing a long bow at a target across a large chamber shoots at Short
is included in parentheses after the die modifier,
range, while an attacker throws a knife at the same target at Medium range.
should the gamemaster prefer not to roll.
 Most projectile combat taking place outdoors is at Medium to Long range.
Range: The effectiveness of a punch, weapon,
Special Ability, or any other attack made at a dis- Cover
tance depends on its range. All range modifiers are Situation Modifier
added or subtracted from the combat difficulty. Light smoke/fog +1D (+3)
Note that, unless a special maneuver allows oth- Thick smoke/fog +2D (+6)
erwise, characters may use unarmed close combat Very thick smoke/fog +4D (+12)
attacks at Point Blank range only. In most cases, Poor light, twilight +1D (+3)
this is true for using various melee weapons as well, Moonlit night +2D (+6)
though the distance can be increased to Short range Complete darkness +4D (+12)
if the weapon is longer than two meters. For instance, Object hides 25% of target +1D (+3)
a character with a long wooden plank can whack an Object hides 50% of target +2D (+6)
opponent at Point Blank or Short range. Object hides 75% of target +4D (+12)
Cover: When a target is protected by something Object hides 100% of target *
— poor lighting, smoke, fog, a table — it makes her *If cover offers protection, the attacker cannot hit the target directly, but damage
harder to hit. This is represented by a cover modifier, done to the cover might exceed the Armor Value it provides, and, indirectly, damage
which is added to the combat difficulty. the target. Most of the time, the attacker must eliminate the cover before having a
Aiming: Aiming involves careful tracking of the chance to hit the target.
target. Characters may perform it against moving
 Chapter 7
code for the weapon, including any modifiers from a special combat
action, such as a sweep attack or hit location. Some weapons list their
score as a die code with a plus sign (“+”) in front of it; in this case, add
the damage die code to the attacker’s Strength Damage die code, add
modifiers, and roll. If the gamemaster chooses to use the optional
damage bonus, this is added to the total at this time.
After the player or the gamemaster has figured out how much
damage is done, go to the “Damage” chapter to determine how much
of that damage the target sustained.
Determining Strength Damage
To figure the Strength Damage die code, drop the pips from the
character’s Physique or lifting die code (but include any relevant Disad-
vantages or Special Abilities), divide the number by 2, and round up.
The Increased Attribute: Physique Special Ability affects the total.
Optional Damage Bonus
The combat skill roll is supposed to reflect the accuracy of an
attack. Therefore, gamemasters may reward high rolls for players’
characters and significant gamemaster characters with a bonus to
damage. Subtract the difficulty of the successful attack from the
skill total and divide this number by 5, rounding up. Add this dam-
age bonus to the damage total before comparing it to the resistance
total. If the gamemaster uses the damage bonus in combination with
a called-shot hit location, the bonus is in addition to the damage
modifier except for attempts on an arm, leg, or hand. In those cases,
ignore the damage bonus.
For Special Abilities and Extranormal skills that require a combat
roll to target them, the gamemaster may allow the combat roll’s
damage bonus to apply to the ability’s roll.
• Page 62
Cian: I’m going to take two actions. First, I’ll shoot at one of
the goblins with my crossbow, and then I’m going to dodge out of
the way.
Gamemaster: Okay, you lose 1D from each action and you don’t
get the full defense bonus, since you’re taking two actions.
Cian: (Rolls her character’s marksmanship dice.) I rolled a 6 on the
Wild Die! (Rolls the Wild Die again.) All right, that’s a total of 21!
Gamemaster: You nailed him! Roll damage.
Cian: (Rolls her crossbow’s damage dice.) I rolled an 18.
Gamemaster: (Using the Wounds system, he rolls the goblin’s
Physique to resist the damage.) Whoops! I rolled a 1 on the Wild Die.
That leaves a total of 2. Well, that’s 16 points over the resistance
total,. The optional damage bonus adds +2 and brings the total to
18. This definitely puts him at the Dead level! Your crossbow bolt
catches him right in the chest and he’s thrown backward, landing
with a fail of limbs in the dirt. Okay, now make your dodge roll. (Note
that if the gamemaster had decided to use the Body Points system, the
merc would not have made a resistance roll, instead taking the full 18
points of damage.)
Cian: (Rolls her character’s dodge dice.) Well, I rolled a 13, but
something tell’s me that’s not going to be high enough, so I’m going
to spend a Character Point.
Gamemaster: Okay, roll another die and add it.
Cian: (Rolls one more die.) I rolled a 5, so that’s a total of 18. I’ll
stick with that.
Gamemaster: Okay, the goblins get to go now. The one readying
his crossbow fires. (Checks range and then rolls the merc’s marksman-
ship dice.) That’s a 17.
Cian: I rolled an 18 for my dodge this round. Good thing I spent
that Character Point!
Gamemaster: That’s right, so the goblin’s bolt lanced straight

Step 4: Repeat toward you and you just barely manage to jump out of the way. On
to the next one ...
If the fight isn’t finished after one round, then return to Step
1 in the “Combat” chapter and do it all over again. Repeat
these steps until the fight is resolved in favor of one side
or the other.

Combat Summary
You can find a summary of the information in this chapter
on the Reference Sheet included in the back of this book.

Combat Example
To give you an idea of how all this works, here’s a typical
exchange between a player’s character and one of her oppo-
nents.
Gamemaster: Okay, we’re in combat rounds now. Every-
one make a Acumen roll. (All players and the gamemaster roll
their dice.) Anyone roll higher than 20?
Cian: Yeah, I rolled a 23!
Gamemaster: All right, what do you want to do?
Cian: Ah, that depends. What’re the goblins doing?
Gamemaster: As one runs across the street towards
you, another levels his crossbow at you, and a third grabs
a villager.
 CHAPTER VIII
• Damage •
What’s in this Chapter
Injury can come from all sides. This chapter describes two methods
of figuring out how hurt a character is, plus a few sources of damage
other than weapons.
Body Points versus
Wound Levels
The Body Points system has the advantage of a gradual fall into
death and a more rapid healing process. The Wound levels system
brings it on faster and is slower to heal. Which the gamemaster
chooses to use depends on how deadly he wants the game.
Furthermore, gamemasters should feel free further adjust the
deadliness of their games by giving characters more or less Body
Points or Wound levels, by adding a modifier to the damage resistance
total, or by adjusting the effects of each Wound level.
Damage & Body Points
Once the player or gamemaster has her character’s resistance
total, subtract the attacker’s damage total from the target’s damage
resistance total and subtract that number from the total Body Points
the character has remaining. If the gamemaster chooses, she may
compare the number of Body Points the character has remaining to
the “Wound Level” table to determine what level of injury the defender
sustained and what its effects on the character are.
If the damage resistance total is greater than or equal to the damage
total, the defender incurs no injuries (beyond an annoying bruise, a
shallow scrape, a light burn, or dinged protective gear).
Damage Resistance Total
The damage resistance total equals a roll of the target character’s
die codes from armor or Special Abilities (such as Attack Resistance)
minus any modifiers from disease, ingested poisons, or other debili-
tating circumstances (such as an appropriate Hindrance). A player
may improve his character’s resistance total by spending Character
Damage & Gamemaster’s Characters
To reflect the average nonplayer character’s relative unimportance to the
universe, gamemasters may wish to lower the gamemaster character’s Body
Points or Wounds. For pure cannon fodder any damage over a roll of their
Physique might cause them to keel over, while the main villain and her most
important henchwomen should get the full complement.
Miscellaneous Damage
Here is a small selection of various other harmful things
that players may encounter during their adventures. Gener-
ally, no attack roll is necessary for any of these to affect a
character, though such a roll would be required if a person
could somehow attack with it. The gamemaster determines
what, if any, benefit armor and similar protection provides.
Some equipment may even increase the damage! Damage is
otherwise determined as per the combat rules.
Except falling, all damage is done per round of close con-
tact. The gamemaster may decide that certain types in certain
situations also affect characters at a distance.
Type Damage
Botulism (severe case) 4D
Cold (extreme) 1D
Nightshade (fatal dose; damage after 1 hour)
Falling
8D+2
1D per
(for fall of 3 meters or more) 1.5 meters
Fire (torch-size) 1D
Strong acid
(undiluted, any amount) 2D+1
Points or a Fate Point on this roll.
If the character has no armor or Special Abilities, then the character
has a damage resistance total of zero, and the player makes no roll.
However, he can still spend Character Points, using them as a base
damage resistance total. Spending a Fate Point allows the player to
roll his character’s Physique. Totals determined from spending points
are adjusted as normal, including negative and positive damage
resistance modifiers.
Stun Damage
For weapons that do stun damage, after the damage total is
determined but before applying it, subtract a roll of
the target’s Physique or stamina from the damage total.
If the victim suffers at least one point of damage, that
character goes unconscious for a number of minutes
equal to the difference between the resistance total and
the original damage total.
Damage & Wound Levels
Once the player or gamemaster has her character’s
resistance total, compare the damage total to a resistance
 Chapter 8
total on the “Wound Level” table to determine how much injury the
defender sustained and what its effects on the character are.
If the damage resistance total is greater than or equal to the damage
total, the defender incurs no injuries (beyond an annoying bruise, a
shallow scrape, a light burn, or dinged protective gear).
Damage Resistance Total
The resistance total equals the target character’s Physique plus any
bonuses from armor or Special Abilities (such as Increased
Attribute: Physique) minus any modifiers from disease,
ingested poisons, or other debilitating circumstances (such as
an appropriate Hindrance). Do not include any Wound level
modifier when attempting to resist damage. A character also
may improve her resistance by spending Character Points or
a Fate Point on this roll.
Stun Damage
For weapons that do stun damage, after the number of
Wounds have been determined but before applying the level
modifiers, reduce the weapon’s damage by two Wound levels,
with a minimum level of Stunned. The character also goes
unconscious for a number of minutes equal to the difference
between the resistance total and the damage total.
Unconsciousness & Death
If the character’s Body Points reach a few points or he
has attained the Mortally Wounded level but the character
wasn’t instantly killed by massive damage, he is still gravely
injured and falls unconscious. Every round that he is at this
level, his player makes a Physique roll against a difficulty equal
to the number of minutes the character has been Mortally
Wounded.
Sufficient medical aid to bring the character to at least 10%
of his maximum Body Points or restore one Wound level can
possibly rescue the imperiled character. If suitable medical aid
is administered within four minutes, the character recovers
without undue harm. If the medical aid is given within four
to 10 minutes, the player rolls his character’s Physique or
stamina against a difficulty equal to the number of minutes
he was Mortally Wounded. If the roll succeeds, the character
revives but he loses 1D from all of his skills, though the skill
cannot go below the attribute’s die code. If the medical aid is
given within 10 to 15 minutes, the player rolls his character’s
Physique or stamina against a difficulty equal to the number of
minutes he was Mortally Wounded. If the roll succeeds, the
character revives but he loses 2D from all of his skills, though
no skill can be reduced below the attribute’s die code. In any
case, should the roll fail, the character dies.
Characters who receive their total Body Points in additional
damage after reaching zero Body Points cannot be revived (by
normal means, anyway).
Descriptive Damage
So a character is down by a few Body Points or has a couple
of Wound levels — so what? What does that mean in descrip-
• Page 64
tive terms? It depends on what caused the harm. The following list
supplies some general guidelines for describing what might have
happened to the character’s body when he was hurt. Use the “Wound
Levels” chart to decide on the character’s current Wound level.
Stunned: Moderate bruise or minor sprain; laceration; muscle
tear; minor dislocation of joint.
Wounded: Severe abrasion or sprain; deep laceration; torn liga-
ments; major dislocation or minor break.
Wound Levels
Wounds* Body Points†
Damage Total ≥
Effect Resistance Total By: Body Points Left
Bruised 0 or less 81% – 99%
Stunned 1–3 60% – 80%
Wounded 4–8 40% – 59%
Severely Wounded 4–8** 20% – 39%
Incapacitated 9–12 10% – 19%
Mortally Wounded 13–15 1% - 9%
Dead 16 or more 0
*Note: Any additional damage less than or equal to the character’s
current level moves the character up by one level.
**A character moves to the Severely Wounded level if the difference is
between 4 and 8 and she already has the Wounded level.
†Note: This is an optional chart for use with Body Points. The “Body Points
Left” column is based on the character’s maximum Body Points. Round up
or down so that no overlap exists between levels.
Penalties imposed by each level are not cumulative; do not include them
when determining the stun or damage resistance total or any total not
involving a skill or attribute.
Bruised: Character’s toughness absorbed most or all of the attack.
However, the gamemaster may decide that a result that misses by a few
points against a defender with no protection (natural other otherwise)
instead inflicts a Stunned level.
Stunned: Character either gets -1D for all remaining actions this round
and next round or may only defend or retreat in the next round.
Wounded: Character is at -1D to all actions until healed.
Severely Wounded: Character is at -2D on all actions until healed.
Incapacitated: As a free action before losing consciousness, the
character may try to stay up with a Moderate (15) stamina or mettle
roll. If he succeeds, he may continue to act, but all actions have a -3D
penalty. If he fails, he is knocked out for 10D minutes.
Mortally Wounded: The character is near death and knocked
unconscious with no chance to keep up. Roll the character’s Physique
each round, the character finally dies if the roll is less than the number
of minutes he’s been at this level.
Dead: The character has perished.
Fast Combat Option: Gamemasters who wish to give the players’
characters and their major opponents an edge in battles, make the
game more realistic, or simply save themselves trouble should apply
the modifiers in the first round of combat and then reassess the levels
after combat is complete.
 Damage
Severely Wounded: Broken bone; gaping wound; ripped cartilage
and muscle; concussion.
Incapacitated: Multiple fracture; laceration in vital area; heavy
concussion.
Mortally Wounded: Above options combined with multiple
internal injuries.
Dead: Broken neck; punctured lung; eviscerated.
These are just a few examples. Really interested gamemasters
can come up with charts, tables, or detailed descriptions of damage
for those players who absolutely must know. The gamemaster may
also assign different modifiers than the general ones listed in the
“Wound Levels” sidebar that more appropriately indicate the type
of injury that was suffered.
Negative Damage
Resistance Total
It is possible for the damage resistance total to be a negative
number. Spell feedback, poisons, sickness, and Disadvantages can all
contribute negative modifiers that might take the damage resistance
total below zero. In this case, the character’s body is working against
him, compounding the additional damage done. Gamemasters have
three options for handling this: (1) They may use the negative dam-
age resistance total as a positive bonus to all difficulties until the
character is healed. (2) They may have the negative damage resistance
• Page 65
Adjusting the Deadliness
Changing the Body Points system is fairly obvious: More
Body Points lead to longer character life spans, while fewer
points bring about the end quicker. Altering the Wound level
system is a little more involved and can be handled in a few
different ways.
Gamemasters who want to add Wound levels may include
additional versions of the same level, similar to the way
Wounded and Severely Wounded are handled currently.
Alternatively, they may add additional levels between each
one by spreading out the points currently needed to reach
each level, or even add further point levels between Mortally
Wounded and Dead.
Gamemasters who wish to remove Wound levels may
include the lower limit of a deleted level in the next level
up or the upper limit in the next level down. Or they may
simply take levels out of the bottom and shift all remaining
levels down.
total add positively to the amount of injury caused. This is a good
method for simulating gritty adventures, as well as a way of getting
low-level gamemaster’s characters out of the way. (3) Have the dam-
age resistance total equal zero. This last way works best for less than
realistic types of adventures, such as comedic fantasy.
Massive Damage Option
If a character incurs two Wound levels within a single round, not
only do the normal modifiers for the greatest level apply, the char-
acter also can do nothing but defend or run away on the next two
rounds. In either of these rounds, the character may make an Easy
stamina or mettle attempt, as an action, to try to recover from the
blow and shake off the penalty. If this is declared as a multi-action
for the round, then the character takes the multi-action penalty. If
not, and the stamina or mettle roll is successful, the character may
act as normal in the next round.
Killing Blow Option
An attack or series of attacks can cause enough injury that the
target may never recover from the harm except through metaphysi-
cal or other extraordinary or supernatural measures. Called a killing
blow, targets with Body Points must take a damage total equal to
91% of the character’s maximum Body Points in one blow or 100%
of the character’s maximum Body Points in a single round. With
Wound Levels, the killing blow entails a Mortally Wounded result
with one blow or gaining the Dead level in a single round. In either
case, use the damage total after subtracting the damage resistance
total to determine whether the attack delivered a killing blow. When
the target receives a killing blow, he immediately dies.
 CHAPTER IX

• Healing •

What’s in this Chapter

There are many different ways that characters can regain their
health. Characters may never get back more than their maximum
number of Body Points or Wounds.

Body Points
Natural Healing
The body heals naturally during the course of the day. The more
rest characters get, the faster their wounds heal. Using the “Body
Points Healing” chart, the character rolls her Physique plus a modi-
fier based on how much rest she’s had that day. A character gets a
modifier of +1D on each full day of rest (sleeping, reading, or other
sedentary activities). If she is involved in light activity, such as walking
or singing, the modifier is zero. However, if most of the day is spent
fighting and running, the modifier is -1D. The character receives the
Body Points back at the beginning of the next day.
Optionally, the gamemaster may require an injured character to
complete a period of rest before making the natural healing roll. Use
the “Rest Period” chart and the character’s Wound level to determine
how long the character needs to wait before attempting the natural
healing roll. The gamemaster then multiplies the result by 3 to figure
out how many Body Points were healed.

Skill
Characters can heal others or themselves with some basic field
procedures for treating wounds. Such attempts don’t require a healer’s
pack. Simply roll healing to help an injured comrade, and find the
results on the “Body Points Healing” chart. A successful roll heals
the character the listed amount. A character using a healer’s pack
may add its bonus to the roll.
A character may only attempt to heal a patient once per day. Other
characters may also try to help the patient, adding their expertise
to the first healer’s.

Body Points Healing Wound Levels

Healing or Physique Body Points
Total Recovered Natural Healing
0 0
A character can heal naturally, but this process is slow. The
1–5 2
character must rest a specified amount of time and then can make
6–10 1D
a natural healing roll: roll the character’s full Physique and find the
11–15 2D
result on the chart related to the character’s current Wound level to
16–20 3D
see if the character heals.
21–25 4D
Healing characters can do virtually nothing but rest. Characters
26–30 5D
who try to work, exercise, or adventure must subtract 1D from their
30+ 6D
Physique when they makes their natural healing roll. Any character
 Healing • Page 67
who opts to take it easy and do virtually nothing for twice the neces-
sary time may add 1D to the Physique roll to heal.
Wounds Healing
Natural Skill
Stunned Characters can heal others or themselves with some basic field
A stunned wound is automatically recovered after one minute procedures for treating wounds. Such attempts don’t require a healer’s
(12 rounds) of complete rest. pack. Simply roll healing to treat wounds in the field, and find the
results on the “Assisted Healing” chart.
Wounded A successful roll heals the character up one level: For instance,
Physique Roll Result a successful healing roll on someone who’s Wounded would bring
Critical Failure Character worsens to Severely Wounded. him back to Stunned. A character using a healer’s pack may add its
2–5 Character remains Wounded. bonus to the roll.
6+ Character is fully healed. A character may only attempt to heal a patient once per day. Other
Severely Wounded characters may also try to help the patient, adding their expertise
Physique Roll Result to the first healer’s.
Critical Failure Character worsens to Incapacitated.
2–5 Character remains Severely Wounded.
6+ Character improves to Wounded.
Rest Period
Incapacitated
Level of Wound Rest Period
Physique Roll Result
Stunned* 1 minute
Critical Failure Character worsens to Mortally Wounded.
Wounded 3 days
2–7 Character remains Incapacitated.
Severely Wounded 3 days
8+ Character improves to Severely Wounded.
Incapacitated 2 weeks
Mortally Wounded Mortally Wounded 5 weeks
Physique Roll Result *Those using Body Points should use this level for
Critical Failure Character dies. characters who have no Wound level.
2–7 Character remains Mortally Wounded.
8+ Character improves to Incapacitated. Rest Period Example
A character at the Stunned Wound level may make a
Assisted natural healing roll for Body Points or heal the Stunned
Injury Level Difficulty level once she’s rested for a minute. After recovering,
Stunned, unconscious Easy (10) should the character get to the Stunned level again, the
Wounded, Severely Wounded Moderate (15) character may make another natural healing attempt
Incapacitated Difficult (20) after the minute of rest. However, if the character moves
Mortally Wounded Very Difficult (25) to the Wounded level, she may not make her natural
healing roll until she’s rested for three days.
 CHAPTER X

• Combat Options •

What’s in this Chapter Tackle: Tackling is much like grabbing, except that the attacker
seeks to overcome the target entirely. Characters may perform this with
Players sometimes want their characters to do some pretty fancy fighting only. If successful or the target chooses not to struggle, the
maneuvers during combat. This chapter offer guidance with several character captures the target and may, if desired, do normal damage.
common ones. The target, meanwhile, may make no actions other than attempt to
escape (see the escape rules herein). On subsequent rounds, the attacker
Using the Modifiers may choose to do her Strength Damage only (no modifiers).
All modifiers are cumulative, though the gamemaster doesn’t Grab: The attacker physically grasps a target. Few melee weapons
need to include all of them. Modifiers may never adjust the total allow this option, so it is used generally only in fighting attacks. What
combat difficulty below 3. effect this has on the target depends on the type of grab. (The ones
The gamemaster rolls the indicated modifier and adds it to the listed here are choke, flip, hold, slam/throw, and arm pin.) See the escape
combat situation. A standard modifier is included in parentheses after rules in this chapter for details on getting out of grabs. On subsequent
the die modifier, should the gamemaster prefer not to roll. rounds of a grab, the attacker may do his Strength Damage only (no
modifiers except those from Special Abilities or equipment) if he
Fighting & Melee defeats the victim’s escape attempt or if the defender chooses not
to resist. Some grab variations may offer other options.
Combat Options Choke: Ropes and hands can cut off the target’s source of air.
Acrobatic Tricks: Acrobatics can also enhance fighting and melee Damage on the first round equals the character’s Strength Damage
combat attacks. The character must perform the acrobatics trick and plus any modifiers. See the general grab rules for damage on subse-
the attack on the same turn. The gamemaster determines the exact quent rounds.
difficulty of the acrobatics attempt. The player may add one-half of Flip: The character reaches out, grabs his opponent’s wrist, arm,
the difference (rounded up) between the difficulty and the successful leg, or similar body part, and jerks violently, causing the opponent
acrobatics roll to the amount of damage done (not to the combat skill
roll). One acrobatics trick roll can affect one attack only.
All-out: The character attacks with no thought to the
consequences. The target has a better chance of being hit,
but, in that round, the attacker cannot actively defend — or
perform any other action — at all!
Lunge: The character takes a step forward to jab at an
opponent, usually with an edged weapon. This adds about a
half-meter (more or less depending on the stride) to the range
of the attack, but it lowers the effectiveness of the attack.
Knockdown/Push/Trip: Using fighting or a blunt melee
weapon in the usual way, the attacker causes his target to
stumble and, instead of taking damage, the opponent loses
2D from her next Agility or Agility-based skill roll. If this
is a knockdown or trip attempt, she must also spend one
action to stand up again. Generally, unless the character has
special training, he may only knockdown or push a character
whose Physique (including Special Abilities or Disadvantage
modifiers) is equal to or less than his own.
Sweep: These attacks, usually foot sweeps or round-
houses, are used when the character wants to make certain she
hits the target, regardless of how much injury is caused.
 Combat Options • Page 69
If the opponent does not resist, the difficulty equals 2 times the
target’s Physique or lifting die code plus the pips plus any relevant
Combat Difficulty Modifiers protection. Failing to beat the breaking difficulty in this case means
Fighting, Melee Combat the target takes damage as in option 1.
Difficulty Damage If the target chooses to resist, she may make no other action in
Option Modifier Modifier the round, but she may move her turn up. Instead, the player rolls
All-out -2D (-6) +1D her character’s Physique or lifting and adds 5 and any relevant protec-
Grab +2D (+6) * tion to the total to generate the breaking difficulty. Failure by the
Lunge +1D (+3) -1D attacker to beat the breaking difficulty in this case means that the
Knockdown, trip +2D (+6) * target escapes and may freely take action on the next round.
Push +1D (+3) * • Option 3. The character may attempt to force the target to the
Sweep -2D (-6) -3D ground while maintaining his hold on the arm. The attacker rolls his
Tackle +1D (+3) * fighting against a submission difficulty.
If the opponent does not resist, the submission difficulty equals 2
Called Shot times her Agility die code, dropping the pips. Failing to beat the breaking
Target is ... difficulty in this case means the target takes damage as in option 1.
10 to 50 centimeters long +1D (+3) * If the target chooses to resist, the opponent may make no other
1 to 10 centimeters long +4D (+12) * action in the round, though she may move her turn up. Instead,
Less than a centimeter long +8D (+24) * the player rolls her character’s Agility and adds 5 and any relevant
modifiers to the total to generate the submission difficulty. Failure by
* See text for options.
the attacker to beat the difficulty in this case means that the target
Other Modifiers escapes and may freely take action on the next round.
• The attacker is blind or blinded: +4D (+12) to the
combat difficulty. Options for Various
• The target is blind or blinded or attacked from behind:
-4D (-12) to the combat difficulty.
Combat Skills
Called Shot
The character chooses a specific target, like a dagger in a thief’s hand,
to fall to the ground. The opponent takes 3D in damage from slam- and aims for that. This is represented by a called-shot modifier, which
ming into the ground and must spend the next round getting to her is added to the combat difficulty. On a successful attack, he knocks the
feet (if she can). item out of the target’s hand, grabs the limb, pins the target to a wall,
Hold: The character does less damage (-3D or more, at the player’s or does +1D (or more, at the gamemaster’s discretion) to the damage.
option, to the damage total), but she has hold of the target with a The exact result depends on the situation and the player’s intent.
successful attack.
Slam/Throw: The character grabs or picks up his opponent and
Breaking Things
hurls him into the ground, a wall, a bus, or another obstacle. Lifting When a character specifically attempts to break something,
the opponent up counts as an action (using the lifting skill), as does compare the skill total with the object’s damage resistance total (its
slamming or throwing the target (which uses the throwing skill). Toughness modified by size, thickness, flaws, supports, etc.). Items
The character must be strong enough to pick his opponent up to that take at least 10 points above their damage resistance total are
use this maneuver. severely damaged, if not destroyed. Items taking less than that are
Once slammed into an object, the target takes the damage score of weakened, and another attempt may be made (with the object having
the object (usually determined by its Toughness, but the gamemaster a reduced damage resistance total and possibly other problems). The
may adjust this) plus the attacker’s Strength Damage. The object being “Object Toughness” table lists some suggested durabilities.
slammed into takes the Strength Damage of the opponent.
Arm Pin: The hero grabs his target’s arm and forces it around
behind her, pinning it there. After the first round, the player has Object Toughness
three choices as to what his character can do. Each option counts
as a separate action. Object Construction Toughness
Flimsy (thin wooden door, thatch) 1D
• Option 1. The character does his Strength Damage only for each
Tough (hard wooden door, most swords) 2D
round he has the arm pinned.
Sturdy (brick wall) 3D
• Option 2. The character tries to break the opponent’s arm. Very sturdy (main castle gate) 4D
The attacker must make a successful Physique or lifting roll versus a Reinforced (outer castle walls) 6D
breaking difficulty.
 Chapter 10 • Page 70
Disarm
If the disarm attempt is successful and the target character Hit Location
has not made an action yet, she may move up her action to try
and keep a grip on the item she’s holding. The defending character Modifiers
makes a Physique or lifting roll against the amount of damage Difficulty Damage
done. If the defender’s roll is greater than the damage, the target Option Modifier Modifier
character retains the item. If it is less than or equal to the dam- Head +1D (+5) +12
age, she drops it. Heart +4D (+15) +12
Chest, abdomen 0 0
Entangle Left or right arm +1D (+5) -2
A hero throws an entangling weapon at her opponent. On a Left or right leg +1D (+5) -1
successful marksmanship or throwing roll (as appropriate), the end Left or right hand +4D (+15) -2
of the weapon wraps itself around the target. Unless the weapon
is spiked or enhanced in some other way, it does no damage, but it Effects
prevents the target from doing any action except for trying to break At the gamemaster’s discretion, sufficient damage to a particular
free. The target may escape by snapping the bonds or slipping free, hit location can affect the target’s ability to use that part. Except
each of which counts as an action. To break the weapon, he must for blows to the chest, the modifier lasts until the character heals
make a Physique or lifting roll that meets or beats the damage total that portion (which typically takes a few days, as Body Points or
of the weapon. To slip free, he needs to roll an Agility or acrobatics Wounds are recovered for the body as a whole, not just a specific
total equal to or higher than the weapon’s damage total. part). When the medicine skill or a healing spell or miracle is applied,
it can be specified to repair one particular location.
Escape Hit location modifiers are in addition to Wound level modifiers.
If you are using them instead of the Wound level modifiers, then
To break free from any hold, the character must make a suc-
all -1 modifiers increase to -1D modifiers.
cessful opposed Physique or lifting roll versus the holder’s Physique
or lifting. This counts as an action. Chest: The character can do no more than passively defend in
the next round.
Group Attack Foot or leg: -1 to all acrobatics, stealth, movement, and initia-
tive totals.
This is a coordinated action. See the description of the command
Hand or arm: -1 to all acrobatics, fighting, climbing, melee combat,
skill in the “Example Skill Difficulties” chapter for details.
marksmanship, sleight of hand, throwing, lifting, and any other rolls
involving the hand or arm.
Hit Location Head: -1 to all Intellect, Acumen, and initiative totals.
Hit locations are a special kind of called shot that allows a
character to shoot or strike a specific point on his target’s body.
The table is used to determine the modifiers for hitting a target of
Human proportions in different areas of his body. Note that aiming
at an arm or leg actually causes less damage — this is because the Prone & Crouching
character took extra care to shoot an area that is “less vital.” Attacking a target that is crouched on the ground adds 1D (3) to
the combat difficulty. If the target is moving while crouching, then the
Knockout combat difficulty increases by +2D (+6), but the defending character’s
This option does only half of the normal damage, but it can normal Move, free Move, or running roll is halved.
render the target immediately unconscious with a successful For prone targets, subtract 2D (6) from the combat difficulty when
attack. It requires a successful called shot to the head. If, after the attacking at Point Blank or Short range, but add 2D (6) to combat
resistance total has been subtracted, the target sustains at least difficulty when attacking at Medium or Long range.
two Wound levels or 50% of his maximum Body Points in damage, Characters who willingly get low to the ground or make themselves
then he falls unconscious for a number of hours equal to difference small may get into and out of the position as a free action. However,
between the combat skill total and the combat difficulty or until character forced into that position, such as a result of being thrown,
he’s awoken by some external force, whichever comes first. The need to make an effort to stand, which counts as an action.
target receives only half the Wound levels or Body Point damage
inflicted (round down). Quick Draw
This option allows the character to act rapidly or draw and shoot
Multiple Weapons a weapon in the same round as one action. The character may use
Weapons that characters can use with one hand and in either any combat skill or appropriate specialization. If she is also using a
hand, such as daggers, may be employed at the same time in the weapon, it must be suitable for quick drawing (a bow and arrow, a
same round. The character incurs a multi-action penalty. loaded musket, a dagger, a rock).
 Combat Options • Page 71
Before initiative is rolled, the player must announce that she
intends for her character to draw her weapon quickly. The player
may then take some of the skill dice and add them to the Acumen die
code for purposes of increasing initiative for that round only. The
player must leave at least 1D in her skill. If the character wants to
make multiple attacks, she subtracts 1D for each attack beyond the
first from the number of dice in the skill she’s using before the player
moves dice around. She does not take a penalty for the draw.
All attacks by the hero in the same round must be made with the
same skill, though the results are determined differently and they
all occur at the same die code because the multi-action penalty was
already figured in.
Example: A ranger wants to strike with his daggers at an evil
sorceress before the villain can cast a spell. The ranger has 4D in
Acumen and 8D in throwing. He may take up to 7D and add it to his Example: An adventuring Centaur wanders into a cave where
Acumen die code to determine initiative. The ranger, however, wants several rats teasing ... something. The rats have a scale value of 9,
to throw two daggers. After subtracting 1D for the extra attack, he but are smaller than a Human. With the Centaur’s scale value of 3
now has 7D in the skill, which allows him to add up to 6D to the ini- larger than a Human, the scale modifier is 12 (3 + 9). Because the rat
tiative roll. He decides to move only 3D. This gives him 7D in Acumen is smaller than the adventurer, each rat gets a +12 to its fighting roll,
to determine initiative and 4D in throwing. Now both the hero and while the adventurer gets a +12 to his damage resistance total. When
the villain make their initiative rolls. the Centaur attacks a rat, the scale modifier is added to his combat
Once initiative is determined, at the character’s turn in the round, difficulty and to his damage total, if he manages to stab it.
he uses the remaining dice in the skill to determine his accuracy. In some cases, the object may be large but lightly constructed
(such as a hot air balloon). At these times, the gamemaster should
Ready a Weapon not add the scale modifier to the damage resistance total.
Typically, a weapon’s scale when determining how much damage it
It takes one action per item to unsheathe a knife, ready a bow
does is the same as the person holding it or the thing it’s mounted on.
for the first shot, or something similar. (Some weapons, such as a
So, a sword has a scale value of 0, while an elephant’s tusk has a scale
crossbow or a very long weapon, take longer.) Although this generally
of 10. These would differ if someone targeted just the weapon.
does not require a skill roll, the gamemaster may require one related
to the weapon in question for particularly stressful situations. Addi-
tionally, drawing and using the weapon in the same round incurs a
Surprise
multi-action penalty. The gamemaster may add further modifiers for A hero who surprises her opponent may either act first in the round
attempting to get out an item from a restrictive location or ready an (if initiative hasn’t already been determined) or gain a +1D to her
unwieldy weapon. action. Attacks from behind, an ambush, or unexpected sources (such
as a companion) make up the most
Scale common sources of surprise.
Occasionally, objects of vastly different sizes get Scale Unwieldy Weapon
involved in fights. The scale modifier accounts for the
Example Participant Size Value Melee weapons longer than 60
fact that bigger items are easier to hit, and usually can
Eight-story castle 24 centimeters, objects that are hard
take more damage, than smaller ones. Use the accompa-
War galley 21 to throw or grasp, ones relying on
nying chart as a guide for determining the appropriate
Four-story building 20 technology with which the user is
value for the two combat participants. Gamemasters
Two-story building 14 unfamiliar, or any weapons other-
may further subdivide between levels.
Longship 12 wise difficult to wield may incur a
If both opponents are either larger than or equal to a
One-story building 10 +5 or more modifier to the combat
Human or smaller than or equal to a Human, subtract the
Elephant 8 difficulty. Similarly, a character may
larger number from the smaller one to calculate the scale
Large carriage 6 use a two-handed weapon with one
modifier. If one opponent is smaller than a Human while
Horse 3 hand if she can lift the weapon with
the other is larger, then add together the two values.
Average Human 0 one hand, though she receives the
For most cases, use these rules: If the attacker is
Human child 3 unwieldy weapon modifier. The
larger than the defender, then the scale modifier is
Small keg, house cat 6 gamemaster may decide that such
added to the combat difficulty (the defender’s defense
Rat 9 factors as experience, strength,
value) and the damage total. If the attacker is smaller
Mouse 12 and features of the weapon (such
than the defender, then the scale modifier is added
Coin 15 as a well-balanced sword) lower
to the attacker’s combat skill total and the defender’s
Ant 21 this modifier.
damage resistance total.
 CHAPTER XI

• Example Skill
Difficulties •
What’s in this Chapter
The “Character Basics” chapter provided brief descriptions of each Information Difficulties
skill (and you will need to return to that chapter if you need a refresher). Amount of Information Difficulty
When the generic difficulties aren’t enough, look up various skills in Basic or common information;
this chapter to get even more ideas on the challenge level for using unconfirmed rumors 5
those skills in common situations. Of course, not every possibility Theories; generalities 10
has been covered, but this provides a terrific foundation. Complex concepts;
moderately detailed information 15
Using the Difficulties & Professional level; extensive

Modifiers (though not complete) information

Cutting-edge topics; extensive information,
20

Unless otherwise stated, the listed modifiers are to the difficulty. including peripheral details and extrapolations 30
The minimum difficulty is 1. Modifiers may be cumulative, depend- Condition Modifier
ing on the situation — the tenser they are, the more important the Age of information (per century in the past) +5
minutia become. Closely guarded secret +15
The associated attributed is listed after the skill name.

Extranormal Skills
Descriptions and difficulties for Extranormal skills are found in
their own chapters.
Combat Skills (Agility,
Coordination)
Skills covered: fighting, dodge, marksmanship, melee combat,
throwing
Difficulties for these skills are included in the “Combat” chapter.
For throwing, see also that skill’s entry in this chapter.
Information Skills
(Intellect)
Skills covered: cultures, devices, scholar, trading
The Intellect attribute assists characters in finding out how much
they know about a certain field, modified depending on the situation.
For this reason, one chart of general difficulties can serve most uses
of Intellect, trading, and scholar, some uses of devices, and investigation
attempts involving researching a topic.
Gamemasters can employ the “Information Difficulties” chart in
one of two ways: by picking a difficulty based on what the character
seeks or wants to recall, or by comparing the skill total rolled to
the difficulties (whichever level the character meets or beats is the
amount and type of information collected or recollected). Realize that
the less well-defined the skill is, the less information the character
knows or finds.
One high roll in any of these skills does not necessarily make the
character an expert in that field. The roll represents only what the
character recalls at the time. A high roll could reveal a specific detail
of the information sought, as well as some hints for discovering more
of what the character seeks.
Characters may be assumed to have a general knowledge of their
home country, culture, and era, including basic geography, famous
people, and common etiquette.
Interaction Skills (Charisma)
Skills covered: bluff, charm, intimidation, persuasion
Characters use one of several Charisma-based skills to influence
other people that they meet. The typical difficulty is 10, modified
based on the dispositions of the characters involved, but a game-
master may base it on a skill roll. See the “Mental Defenses” section
for more information on this; suggested difficulty modifiers are
listed below.
Die rolls alone should not determine interactions between player
and gamemaster characters. Gamemasters should have their players
detail what their characters say and do to before rolling the dice. The
better the player acts the role of his character, the greater his chance
 Example Skill Difficulties • Page 73
of success should be, which gamemasters can reflect by allowing up
to a +1D modifier to the skill roll.
See also the individual entries in this chapter for bluff, charm (listed Observation Difficulties
with bluff), intimidation (also listed with bluff), and persuasion. Situation Difficulty
Noticing obvious, generic facts; casual glance 5
Mental Defenses Noticing obvious details (ex. number of people) 10
In general, the resistance difficulty for any interaction skill equals Noticing a few less obvious details
10. The target cannot actively resist unless he knows that a psychic (ex., gist of conversation) 15
or interaction skill is being used on him by another character. If the Spotting a few specific details
gamemaster decides that the target suspects but does not know for (ex., identities of individuals) 20
certain that someone is attempting to influence him, the gamemaster Spotting a few obscure details
may allow the character to take an action earlier than his turn in the (ex., specifics of conversation) 25
round and roll his mettle or Charisma to generate a new resistance Noticing many obscure details 30 or more
difficulty. Should the character decide to actively defend against
mental intrusion or personal interaction, he may devote all of his
actions for the round to that task and roll his mettle or Charisma, acters are actively eavesdropping, searching, tracking, or performing
adding +10 to the score to get the new resistance difficulty. However a similar activity (and thus using the search or tracking skills), this
the interaction resistance difficulty is determined, gamemasters may passive observance of a scene does not count as an action. Use this
further modify the number as the situation warrants (such as stress, chart as a guideline for how much the character notices. If the skill
surprise, or character relationship). total meets or beats the difficulty, the character gains that much
information.
Observation Skills (Acumen)
Skills covered: search, tracking Charioteering, Pilotry
Gamemasters can rely on these difficulties for situations involving
the gathering of information. They can be used as difficulties to beat (Coordination)
or as a means of reading the results of a dice toss. See the “Movement” chapter for details on using these skills.
To see if a character notices details of a scene or situation, the
gamemaster may have the player make a Acumen roll. Unless the char- Bluff, Charm, Intimidation
(Charisma)
Bluff, charm, and intimidation can enhance a character’s attacks
Interaction Modifiers and defenses. The player adds one-half of the difference (positive or
Situation Modifier negative) between the difficulty and the bluff, charm, or intimidation
Target is friendly or trusting -5 roll to any one attack or defense attempt (not both) made at Point
Target is neutral toward character Blank or Short range. The character must use the benefit from scaring
or of equal standing 0 (intimidation), tricking (bluff), or seducing (charm) the target on the
Target is hostile or has superior standing +5 same turn as or on the round after the interaction endeavor.
Target is an enemy +10 The user’s appearance and demeanor can also affect bluff, charm,
Target is in weakened position -10 or intimidation attempts. The more threatening the character looks or
Request is something target would do seems, the less effective charm and bluff actions are, while intimida-
anyway or target feels is of minor importance 0 tion attempts are more effective. Use the “Generic Modifiers” table
Request is illegal or highly dangerous +10 in the “Game Basics” chapter to decide how much the appearance
Target is on guard or actively resisting* +10 and demeanor affect the target, if a Disadvantage or Special Ability
doesn’t already provide one.
*Do not include this modifier if you are using the active mental See also “Interaction Skills” for other difficulties and modifiers
defense described in the “Mental Defenses” section. for these skills.
Interrogation Modifiers
Target ... Modifier
Flying (Agility),
Feels information is unimportant
Feels information is of minor importance
-10
0
Running, Swimming
Feels information is important +5 (Physique)
Feels information is very important +10 Difficulties for these skills
Would rather die than reveal information +10 or are included in the “Movement”
more chapter.
 Chapter 11 • Page 74
Hide (Acumen), Situation
One or two common, basic words
Modifier
-5
Stealth (Agility) Has a translating aid (book, hand signals)*
Different dialect of own language
-5
0
The difficulty for a hide or stealth attempt is usually the opponent’s
Language is derived from common root language
Acumen, search (for hide), or tracking (for stealth), either as a die roll
(speech or alphabet) (ex., two Humans from different
(if the opponent is actively trying to find the object or person) or
parts of the same world understanding each other) +5
as a derived value equal to the number in front of the “D” in the
Completely foreign language (speech or alphabet)
opponent’s attribute or skill times 2 and add the pips. For a straight
(ex., Dwarvish has nothing to do with Elvish) +10
value, use 6.
Obscure language; reading lips +15
Gamemasters may also opt to add a small creature or item’s scale
Language is unique to an uncontacted culture,
value to the difficulty, or subtract a large creature or item’s scale
from a dead culture, or unpronounceable
value to it.
by the character trying to understand +20
Difficulty Language includes many concepts nearly beyond
Condition Modifier the character’s understanding or experience +25
Heavy rain or snow -3
*Translation aids might provide their own bonuses, which are used
Dawn, dusk, fog, many trees, large crowd, etc. -2
instead of this.
Night -5
Inattentive observer -5 Roll >
Dense concealment (thick jungle, Difficulty Comprehension Level
crowd of people in costume) -5 0–2 Gist of idea; most words understood or conveyed
Many distractions (party, parade, combat) -5 properly; word usage seems stilted
Attentive observer +6 3–6 Literal translation; slang expressed/translated
Open terrain +6 incorrectly
Good lighting +6 7+ Subtle connotations
Several observers +9 A character can also use the reading/writing skill to create forgeries.
The artist skill might act as a complementary skill in such instances
Reading/Writing, Speaking as reproducing illuminated manuscripts. Reduce the amount of time
spent on making a particular forgery if the character has repeatedly
(Intellect) succeeded at making similar items in the past.
Because the ability to read in the typical fantasy setting is so
uncommon, the ability to communicate falls under two skills: read-
ing/writing and speaking. They both use the same charts, but they
relate to two different methods of communicating.
First, determine what the character wants to express or understand
and how closely the language in which she wants to express it is to
her native tongue. Then, compare the difference between the skill
roll and the difficulty to decide how close she came. Characters with a
specialization in the language they are using who succeed at the skill
roll receive a +3 bonus to determining the comprehension level.
Gamemasters may provide a small bonus to characters with a
specialization of a particular language in one skill when they attempt
to use the other skill for that language. For instance, a character with
a reading/writing specialization +1D in Elvish and no experience in
speaking could gain a bonus of +1 to attempting to say something
in Elvish.
The character must have the appropriate skill to use a transla-
tion aid. For example, a book cannot help a character attempting
to speak a language unless that character happens to also have the
reading/writing skill.
Idea is ... Difficulty
Very simple, consisting of a short phrase 3
Simple; no slang; children’s story 7
Of average complexity; common bard’s tales 12
Complex; slang involved; epic sagas 18
Very complex; technical jargon involved;
academic writing 24
 Example Skill Difficulties • Page 75
Forger Maneuver Difficulty
Item Forged Difficulty Somersault; pirouette 5
Unofficial note or correspondence 6 Handspring; cartwheel; handstand 10
Time required: 10 minutes or more Swing over a obstacle 10
Signature 12 Round-off; backflip 15
Time required: 5 minutes Vaulting over an obstacle 15
Official document (decree from a king with seal) 18 Bouncing off a surface to reach a specific destination 20
Time required: 20 minutes or more Walking up a wall* 30
Familiarity with Item Modifier *The character may “walk” a maximum of her Move in one round; she
Intimately familiar or has sample -10 must have a flat surface to stop on at the end of her turn or she falls and
Somewhat familiar; has seen it quite often -5 takes damage from the fall.
Slightly familiar 0 Condition Modifier
Have only had it described +5 Flat surface to flat surface 0
Guessing blindly +15 Unlimited landing area -3
Forgery Inspector Limited landing area +3
Familiarity with Item Forged Difficulty Almost no landing area +6
Intimately familiar 6 Rough or unsteady landing area +3 or more
Moderately familiar 12 High surface to low surface +3
Unfamiliar 18 Low surface to high surface +6
Completely unfamiliar 24 Slippery surface +3
Situation Modifier Strong wind +3
Have sample -5 Add a twist of the body (per twist) +3
Item poorly forged* 0 Performing the maneuver underwater or backwards +3
Item well forged* +5 Performing the maneuver in the air
Item superiorly forged* +10 (such as on a trapeze or bars) +9
Performing the maneuver on a narrow surface +6
*The gamemaster may add the number of points above the forging diffi-
culty to the inspector’s difficulty instead of using one of these modifiers. Note: Characters may combine one or more maneuvers in the same
action. In this case, use the difficulty of the most challenging maneuver,
Scholar, Trading (Intellect) add 3 for each additional maneuver (up to five additional maneuvers),
and include modifiers as if the complex stunt was one maneuver.
See the “Information Skills” for difficulties and modifiers related
to using this skill.
Animal Handling (Charisma)
Acrobatics (Agility) When attempting to get an animal to do a trick, the character
must also roll against its mettle roll (the gamemaster generates this).
Using acrobatics can also improve many of a character’s climbing, Examples of tricks include rolling over, getting into a cage, jumping
jumping, and running attempts. The gamemaster determines the dif- up, and obeying commands. The character’s animal handling total may
ficulty of the acrobatics stunt. One-half of the difference (rounded up) be modified by the attitude of the animal toward the character. The
between the difficulty and the acrobatics roll is added to the comple- success of tricks are determined by a roll of the animal’s attributes
mentary skill. The acrobatics attempt and the climbing, jumping, or or skills.
running try must be done on the same turn.
Animal’s Attitude toward Character Skill Modifier
Instead of adding a modifier to the running or swimming difficulty
Friendly or trusting +5
for particularly challenging obstacle courses, the gamemaster may
Neutral 0
have the hero make an acrobatics roll in addition to a running or
Hostile -5
swimming roll.
Acrobatics can make a character appear more intimidating. The Mettle >
player may add one-half of the difference (rounded up) between Animal
the difficulty and the successful acrobatics roll to her intimidation Handling Result
attempt. The intimidating attempt may be made on the same turn 1–2 Animal looks at the handler in a confused way.
as the acrobatics roll or on the next round. 3–6 Animal lies down for one round.
During a fall, acrobatics may be used to reduce bodily harm. If the 7–11 Animal lies down for two rounds.
character has not already used his turn for the round, he may rely on 12+ Animal snaps at the handler; if hit, the beast will
acrobatics in an attempt to land properly. The character generates an attack the handler until subdued.
acrobatics total. For every five points over the base difficulty number
of 10, the hero reduces the damage total by one point, in addition Artist (Acumen)
to a base reduction of one point. The damage total, however, cannot The time needed to create a work of art depends on the quality
be lower than zero. and complexity of a piece. A simple amateur piece may only take a
 Chapter 11 • Page 76
few minutes, while a complex, prize-winning endeavor could require Difficult; requires high degree of precision 17
weeks or months. Characters may also use this skill to judge works Requires much effort or extreme precision 22
of art created by others and detect fake artistic pieces. The higher Requires care and thoughtfulness, or exacting precision 28
the total is above the creation total for the piece, the more informa- Team Modifier
tion the judge knows about it (such as flaws, alterations, its creator, All members willing to follow leader’s orders
and the like). no matter what -20
Quality of Piece Difficulty All members willing to sacrifice life for others -15
Amateur 9 Trained together frequently to work as unit -10
Professional 15 Trained together briefly to work as unit -5
Emotionally moving 18 Work together regularly, or willing to work together 0
Prize-winning 24 Worked together on a few occasions +5
Complexity of Piece Modifier Seldom work together +10
Simple; has one or two parts -5 Never worked together before, or more than
Moderate; has a few parts 0 half of the members hate each other +15
Complex; has many parts +10 No interest in working together; all members
despise each other; or members can’t communicate

Climbing (Agility) with each other +20

Difficulties for this skill are included in the “Movement” chapter.

Note that taking care in climbing and carrying 50% or more of the
Contortion (Agility)
The chart below contains sample difficulty numbers for escaping
character’s body weight slows the character down by two meters or
from various kinds of restraints. Modify the difficulty based on the
more per round.
circumstances of the escape, such as the conditions the character
Condition Modifier works under or specially designed restraints. The character may not
Taking care in climbing -5 use this skill if completely immobilized. If in multiple restraints, the
Less than a 90-degree angle -3 character must make a separate roll for each one. A Critical Failure
Less than a 60-degree angle -6 indicates that the character has pulled a muscle (and he does his
Less than a 45-degree angle -9 Strength Damage to himself). The gamemaster decides whether he
Prepared for climbing -6 may try again.
Carrying 25% of body weight +3 Note that this skill does not substitute for the lockpicking skill.
Carrying 50% of body weight +6 The character may be able to pull his arms over his head to use his
Carrying 100% of body weight +15 hands, but he may not be able to slip out of the shackles unless they
Many handholds -10 are improperly secured.

Command (Charisma) Sample Restraints

Ropes
Difficulty
13
The command skill governs the act of convincing individuals to Wires, chain 15
comply with specific directions, as well as maintaining morale dur- Shackles 16
ing group undertakings (such as combat or building large pieces of
equipment). This skill is typically used only with the gamemaster’s
characters, though it can be sometimes attempted with the players’
Crafting (Acumen)
The base difficulty to fix or modify any weapon, armor, other
characters (such situations should be roleplayed first, with a bonus
equipment, or vehicle is 10. The amount of damage sustained, the
or penalty to the command roll based on how well the group partici-
character’s familiarity with the item, availability of parts, and com-
pated in the activity together). A high command roll can complement
plexity of the task can modify the difficulty. The gamemaster may
individual participants’ rolls in a group activity, while a low command
require a separate devices roll to determine whether the character
roll can impose negative modifiers. It generally requires at least one
can figure out how to repair an unknown item. Destroyed parts must
round of planning to perform effectively.
be replaced, which raises the difficulty. Additionally, if a character
Characters can use this skill to combine their attacks. One person
rushes the job, not only is there an increased chance of failure, but
is designated the leader and makes the command roll. If successful,
the item could also break again soon after its next use.
everyone goes on the leader’s initiative. Participants make their
A gamemaster may allow a complementary use of artist to improve
attacks with the hit location modifier (to reflect that they’re aiming
the quality of the item.
for a designated location), but the target resists the combined total
of all damage done it. If the command roll fails, determine initiative Situation Modifier
and actions individually. Light repairs/modifications 0
Heavy repairs/modifications +5
Complexity Difficulty
Extensive repairs/modifications +10 or more
Uncomplicated; imprecise 3
Previously built or modified the item;
Easy; minimal precision required 7
intimately familiar with item -10
Requires effort or precision 12
 Example Skill Difficulties • Page 77
Roll >
Difficulty Result
0–2 Basic idea of what the device can do, but not
how to operate it.
3–6 Basic idea of what the device can do and how
to operate it; may add the result points bonus
to using the device on the next round if the
character does not have an appropriate skill
to use the device.
7–11 Previous result and may add the result points
bonus to a crafting attempt on the device, if
proper tools and materials are available.
12+ Previous two results and can design a similar
device, if proper resources are available.

Disguise (Acumen)
A character’s skill total in creating the disguise serves two
related purposes. First, the higher the roll, the less likely an
observer will be to question the disguise. Second, the total
becomes the difficulty number for Acumen or investigation
efforts to see through it. If the investigation check is higher
Has item’s designs -5 than the disguise total, the disguise has been penetrated.
Common item 0 If at any time while the character is disguised she performs an
Has seen but not used item +5 action inconsistent with the disguise, any observer has a chance to
Has never seen item +10 see through it.
All parts available 0 Although one character may use disguise on another character, the
Some parts available +10 disguised character must actively work at keeping up the disguise
No parts available +20 using her own disguise skill or Acumen.
Correct tools* 0 Condition Modifier
Makeshift tools +15 Specific person +15
*Tool kits might provide their own bonuses, which are used instead Other sex +6
of this. Different race or species +3
Great age difference +3
Devices (Intellect) Much larger build
Much smaller build
+5
+10
The devices skill allows the character how to use a strange new Resembles the disguise already -5
piece of equipment. In some cases, no matter how familiar the item Using skill on another character +6
is to a character, the item may be of such complexity (such as some Using skill unaided +3
gnomish works) that the gamemaster always requires a roll.
Characters who want to create new items must first makes blue-
prints or design instructions for them, using this skill. The more Gambling (Acumen)
complex the piece, the higher the difficulty and the longer it takes Gambling doesn’t affect games that are purely random, but does
to determine the correct design. influence games with an element of strategy, like poker. All characters
The base difficulty is 10. make opposed gambling rolls, without spending Character or Fate Points,
and the highest roll wins. A character may cheat by using Character or
Complexity of Device Modifier
Fate Points on the roll, and the gamemaster may give bonuses to rolls
Simple 0
for people looking for a cheater or helping the cheater. The gamemaster
Average +4
should consider as many “angles” as possible when using the gambling
Complex +7
skill, and add these as modifiers to one or more participants’ rolls.
Prototype +10

Healing (Intellect)
From a culture with a lower technological level -5
From a culture with a much higher
technological level +10 For game mechanics on using healing to treat damage, see the
Consists of many complex parts +5 “Healing” chapter. Remember that the typical fantasy setting doesn’t
Consists of hundreds of complex parts +10 have the same access to medical procedures as they do in modern
Has a manual for the device in a language times. However, folk lore remedies seemed to work much better
the character can understand -3 than in other genres.
 Chapter 11 • Page 78
Medical Diagnosing 3–6 Precise information about situation (probable
Action Difficulty manufacturing origin of evidence, small details
Determine existence of disease or injury 7 about items in room).
Time required: 1 round 7–11 Previous results plus how all items in an area were
Determine toxicity of substance 7 put to use.
Time required: 1 minute 12+ Reconstruction of events from the evidence.
Determine type of disease, toxin, or injury 12
Time required: 1 minute
Determine medicine, procedure, or antidote required 18
Jumping (Agility)
Difficulties for this skill are included in the “Movement” chap-
Time required: 1 round to 1 hour
ter.
Determine cause 24
Time required: 1 day to 1 week Condition Modifier
Flat surface to flat surface 0
Investigation (Acumen) Unlimited landing area
Limited landing area
-5
+5
When used to research a topic, a separate roll must be made for Almost no landing area +10
each source checked. Rough, slick, or unsteady landing area +3 or more
Situation Difficulty Uphill (more than 30 degrees) +6
Common knowledge 7 Carrying 50% of own weight +6
Requires searching through several sources; Carrying 75% of own weight +9
introductory theories 12 Carrying 100% of own weight +12
Sources are of varying reliability; cutting-edge
information; specific information about
harmless individual or event 18
Know-how (Acumen)
To use this skill to help with an activity covered by another skill
Esoteric information; specific information
(which the character does not have), the character spends the round
about dangerous individual or event 24
before examining the situation, performing no other actions, and
Condition Modifier making a roll of this skill versus the difficulty set for the action. The
Information closely guarded +5 character gets neither the unskilled modifier nor the preparing modi-
Character unsure of information sought +5 fier. Within the next 30 seconds (six rounds), the character may add
Character knows exactly what information the difference between the difficulty and the know-how skill roll to
is sought -5 total roll for the attribute dictated by the actual skill required. The
When used to figure out clues from a scene, the base difficulty is character may not use this skill in place of a skill she already has. The
10. The character must use search first to find the clues or evidence gamemaster may limit the number of times per hour this skill may
(or have them pointed out); investigation helps the character figure be used on the same action.
out what they mean.
Situation Modifier Lifting (Physique)
Information about subject/event is sketchy +15 At the gamemaster’s discretion, a player may make a lifting check
Information about subject/event is extensive -15 when his character first picks up an object. (Generally, if the object’s
Evidence is fairly clear; many clues; weight would give it a difficulty equal to or greater than one-half of
familiar objects with expected use -6 or more the character’s lifting, rounded up, or the object is being lifted hastily
Evidence is only partly clear; several clues; or under stress, the gamemaster should require a lifting roll.)
familiar objects with uncommon use, For each round the object is carried, the character makes another
or unfamiliar objects with common use 0 check to see if he can continue to carry the object. If he fails the roll,
Evidence is obscure; few clues +3 he is too exhausted and must put the object down. If the character is
Evidence is unusual or with no apparent significance; doing anything else at the time (other than walking slowly or talking),
uncommon objects with uncommon use +6 continuing to carry the object counts as a multi-action.
Repeatedly commits similar crimes -3 per crime Abridged Lifting Table
Distance between crimes (per 80 kilometers) +3 Weight Difficulty
Time between crimes (per 6 months*) +3 1 kg 1
*While the crimes may have been committed over a greater time 10 kg 3
interval, the maximum value for this modifier is +30. 50 kg 7
Roll > 100 kg 12
Difficulty Result 120 kg 13
0–2 Basic information about the situation (a rope was 200 kg 17
used, type of weapon). 250 kg 18
 Example Skill Difficulties • Page 79
500 kg 23 Condition Modifier
750 kg 28 No idea which way is north +10
1,000 kg (1 ton) 33 General idea which way is north 0
1,100–2,000 kg 34-43 Familiar with terrain 0
(+1 to base of 33 per 100 kg over 1,000 kg) Terrain completely foreign +5
2,500–10,000 kg 44-59 Completely lost +10
(+1 to base of 43 per 500 kg over 2,000 kg) Have a compass or similar navigational tools -5
15,000–100,000 kg 60-77 Plotting a way through a simple course 0
(+1 per to base of 59 per 5,000 kg over 10,000 kg) Plotting a way through a complex course +6
The gamemaster may further subdivide the lifting chart if desired Plotting a way through a dangerous course +9
to include the weights for the difficulties not listed here. Determine exact location +15
Lifting Fatigue Modifier Condition Skill Modifier
Time Skill Modifier Have a poorly drawn map +1D
1–6 rounds 0 Have a sketchy but accurate map +2D
7 rounds to 3 minutes +5 Have a well-drawn map +3D
3–10 minutes +10 Have a misleading or purposely inaccurate map
10–30 minutes +15 (and don’t know it) -1D
30–60 minutes +20
Note: After the first hour, the character must make a check once per Persuasion (Charisma)
hour at the same difficulty as one hour. If the character fails the roll, Persuasion can also be employed to “pay” another person to behave
then he must rest for twice as long as he was lifting the weight. dishonorably, such as through ignoring duty, looking the other way, or
divulging secret information. Success depends greatly on the target.
Lockpicking (Coordination) A target who is loyal or wealthy or fears being caught is less likely to
accept bribes. Use the difficulties listed under “Interaction Skills” and
Characters may not attempt to pick locks without some kind of
further modified by such factors as the value of the money, goods,
tools (hairpins, wire coat hanger, telekinesis, etc.). Improvised tools
or information offered, the extent of favors given and received, and
do not add to character’s skill roll, but specialized tools will.
the target’s attitude toward the bribe.
Type of Lock Difficulty See also “Interaction Skills” for other difficulties and modifiers
Simple key lock 6 for this skill.
Complex key lock 12
Value of Bribe Modifier
Combination lock 18
Less than 50% of what is reasonable +10
Lock Condition Modifier 50% to 90% of what is reasonable +5
Poorly constructed -6 Larger than expected -5
Well constructed +2 Significantly larger than expected -10
Lock diagrams -4

Mettle (Charisma)
Mettle is generally used to resist interaction attempts and
mentally damaging attacks. See the “Mental Defenses” section
earlier in this chapter for details. Characters with this skill
may generally use it instead of stamina to resist fatigue, sleep,
and unconsciousness, though there may be some situations
the gamemaster restricts its substitution. See the stamina
entry in this chapter for information on difficulties.
Gamemaster can also use mettle (or Charisma) to deter-
mine the reactions of players’ and gamemaster’s characters
to each other and to their surroundings. The more the
gamemaster believes that the character should be at ease or
frightened, the greater the difficulty. Use the descriptions
of standard difficulties to determine the level. This passive
application of mettle is not an action.

Navigation (Intellect)
The base difficulty is 10.
 Chapter 11 • Page 80
Riding (Agility) Search (Acumen)
When a character first mounts a ridable animal, she must make a When used to eavesdrop on or secretly watch an event or another
riding roll against the creature’s mettle roll (the gamemaster generates character, the skill total indicates the amount of information gained
this). The character’s riding total may be modified by the attitude of from the surveillance. Use the “Observation Difficulties” table. A
the animal toward the character. The character stays in control if Critical Failure could mean anything from no information obtained
she ties or beats the beast’s roll. If she fails, consult the table below to being immediately spotted by the character being observed,
for what occurs. depending on the situation.
When attempting to get the beast to perform a special maneuver When searching for a hidden object or person, the difficulty is
or during events that might frighten it, the character must also generally the hide roll used to conceal the target. Otherwise, the base
roll against the animal’s Charisma or mettle. Examples of special difficulty is 5, modified by the table below.
maneuvers include jumping a fence, crossing a raging river, moving See also “Observation Skills” for more difficulties and modifiers
faster, or slowing down quickly. (The success of special maneuvers for this skill.
are determined with the animal’s attributes or skills.) Situation Modifier
A character attacking from the back of a beast takes a multi- Character knows target’s exact location 0
action penalty for having to both control the mount and use their Character knows target’s approximate location +5
weapon. Character has vague information about
Animal’s Attitude toward Character Skill Modifier the target or its location +15
Friendly or trusting +5 Character has only general idea of what she’s
Neutral 0 looking for; searching for small objects +20
Hostile or wounded -5 Character has no idea what she’s looking for;
Mettle > searching for obscure or tiny objects +25
Riding Result Searching for microscopic objects* +30
1–2 Beast stops and refuses to move for 1 round. *Might not be possible without special equipment or abilities.
3–6 Beast stops and refuses to move for 2 rounds.
7–11
12+
Beast bolts in a random direction for 1D rounds.
Beast bucks rider; rider must make a Moderate riding
Sleight of Hand
roll to avoid being thrown off. (Coordination)
The difficulty for a sleight of hand attempt is usually the opponent’s
Acumen or search, either as a die roll (if the opponent is actively watch-
ing for tricks) or as a derived value equal to the number in front of the
“D” in the opponent’s attribute or skill times 2 and add the pips.
Situation Modifier
Watchful target; few distractions +9
Observant target; light crowd +6
Suspicious target +3
Challenging act (such as palming an apple) +6 or more
Unobservant target; target constantly jostled;
major distractions -9
Confused or distracted target; crowded
conditions; minor distractions -6
Simple act (such as palming a tiny object or
sliding a hand into one’s own pocket
unnoticed) -6 or more

Stamina (Physique)
Gamemasters may allow a character to make a multi-action stamina
roll to complement a strenuous activity, such as lifting or running.
The difficulty equals 5 times the current fatigue modifier. The char-
acter may add one-half (rounded up) of the difference between the
successful stamina roll and the difficulty. The strenuous activity still
receives the fatigue modifier.
Whenever a character fails a stamina roll, she is fatigued; all actions
are at -1D for every stamina check failed until the character rests for
as long as she exerted herself.
 Example Skill Difficulties • Page 81
Characters can still continue if they are fatigued, until they fail
a third stamina check. At this point, the character is completely
exhausted and must rest for twice the amount of time that she
exerted herself to remove the penalty.
To avoid the effects of a toxin (inhaled, ingested, or absorbed) or
disease (encountered in any manner), a character makes a stamina roll.
Several factors figure into the difficulty of the attempt, including the
deadliness and dosage of the poison in question. For example, a fatal
bout of botulism has a difficulty of 9, while a killing dose of deadly
nightshade has a difficulty of 42. Characters may attempt to counter
toxins once per day.
Gamemasters might also call for stamina rolls against falling asleep
or unconscious. This generally does not count as an action, though
the gamemaster should award a bonus to the skill total when the
character devotes her action to keeping awake. Resisting sleep is a
difficulty of 5 per hour beyond the normal awake time, modified by
environmental factors (too warm or too cold, noise level, etc.). For
unconsciousness caused by wounds, see the “Wound Levels” table
in the “Damage” chapter.

Streetwise (Acumen)
Streetwise helps characters get around urban environments. Some
situations call for seeking out those living outside the local law,
while others can be handled through upstanding citizens. Generally,
the modifiers are the same for each situation, but the gamemaster
should adjust them depending on the circumstances. It is possible,
though generally unlikely, that a character would be well-liked by
both upstanding residents and local criminals. Criminal activity overlooked as long as it’s not
Example: In a village, a character would find it easier to gather dangerous to the general public; tolerance of outsiders +5
information about a particular person (and thus the city-size modi- Criminal activity overlooked as long as it’s not
fier would be -15 instead of +15), but he might have a harder time dangerous to the local government; outsiders welcome 0
getting someone to trust him enough to tell him about it (making Anarchy; outsiders given same respect as residents -10
the tolerance modifier +15). Reputation of Seeker Modifier
Seeking ... Difficulty Never been to the location; no contacts;
Things that are usually easy to find not trusted by local underworld or residents +10 or more
(ex., directions to the nearest police station) 4 Rarely visited; only passing knowledge of
Things that require discretion or careful investigation how the local underworld operates +1-9
(ex., asking if the local law is straight or crooked) 7 Minor contacts; knows what to avoid; criminals or
Risky services; finding illegal and well-regulated items residents have no reason not to trust character 0
(ex., finding out an appropriate bribe for the local law) 14 Somewhat favorably known by local underworld
Services of unusual skills; finding dangerous or or residents; several contacts -1–9
carefully controlled items 18 Well-known and liked by underworld or residents -10 or more
(ex., seeking a fence or a safecracker)
A specific criminal in hiding; finding items whose
possession means immediate imprisonment 28
Survival (Acumen)
Character can rely on survival to figure what to eat, where to sleep,
Size of City Modifier how best to deal with native dangers, and other information needed
Large city (a few hundred thousand citizens) 0 to get out of wilderness situation alive. The character can also use
Small city (several thousand citizens) +5 survival to locate herbs, plants, and animals of special healing or
Town (several hundred citizens) +10 mystical value. (Use streetwise for help in urban situations.)
Village (a few hundred citizens) +15
Situation Difficulty
Amount of Law Enforcement Woods 4
or Tolerance of Residents Modifier High mountains, ocean (near floor) 12
Martial law or no tolerance for criminals or outsiders +15 Desert, ocean (near surface) 15
Criminal activity overlooked as long as it’s discreet; Polar region 18
slight tolerance of outsiders +10 Different, non-Earth-like dimension 25
 Chapter 11 • Page 82
Situation Skill Modifier those whose defense totals it meets or beats, up to the number of
Has been to this location frequently +1D targets it can affect.
Has been to this location within the past 10 years 0 To disarm a trap, the character first needs to find an access to it,
Has never been to this location -1D which means applying the search skill if the trap’s concealed. Once found,
the character rolls her traps against this chart, modified by how well
Throwing (Coordination) it was originally installed. Traps enhanced by spells must have their
spells negated first before the character can disarm the trap. Concealing
A character’s ability to grab projectiles out of the air is enhanced
a trap (including disguising wires, covering a pit or pressure plate, or
by the throwing skill. The difficulty of catching an object is typically
placing a false trap) requires using the hide skill on it (or selecting an
the thrower’s throwing roll. If the thrower wants the catcher to get
appropriate difficulty for a gamemaster-created trap).
the object, and thus takes care to throw well, reduce the thrower’s
skill total by 9. Trap Modifier
Combat difficulties for this skill are included in the “Combat” Pressure plate trigger (per plate) +2
chapter. Tripwire or switch trigger (per tripwire or switch) +1
Hand triggered 0
Tracking (Acumen) Speed (initiative total; per 5 points)
Combat attack total versus target (per 5 points)
+1
+2
The base difficulty is 10 or the target’s stealth roll, if the target Single part (open pit, poison on a handle) 0
is actively trying to hide her trail. Characters can also use tracking Multiple release portals for gas, arrows, etc.
to shadow a target. A shadowed character can attempt to spot the (per additional portal) +2
shadow with a search roll versus the shadowing character’s tracking Multiple targets (per additional target; increases pit opening by 1
roll. Gamemasters may opt to include relevant hide modifiers to the meter-square area) +2
tracking roll, if the shadow is being cautious. Additional damage (spikes in pit, more push behind arrows, per
Condition Modifier additional 1.5 meter drop)
Trail is a day old +3 (per additional 1D*) +3
Trail is a few days old +6 Use existing structure (door and frame, nearby saplings) 0
Trail is a week old +9 Add to structure (clockwork mechanism, false walls) +3 or more
Tracking during inclement weather +6 *This represents falling damage for pits.
Soft dirt, mud, snow -3
Grassland 0 Disarm Situation Modifier
Forest, thin crowd +3 Have blueprint or map -5
Rain forest, dense crowd +6 Have an idea about the kind of trap -5
Desert, arctic wasteland, hard surface +9 Have no idea about the kind of trap 0
Number of people being tracked (for every 2 people) -3 No special trap set-up* 0
Tracking a wheeled vehicle -6 Good trap set-up* +5
Per additional vehicle -3 Superior trap set-up* +10
*The gamemaster may add one-half (rounded up) of the number of
Traps (Intellect) points above the trap setting difficulty to the disarmer’s difficulty instead
of using one of these modifiers.
To install a trap, use the chart to modify the base difficulty of zero.
The gamemaster may award one-half of the points above the difficulty
as a modifier to future disarm rolls. This represents the character
adding a few extra improvements to the base design.
A pressure plate trigger releases the trap when a small piece of Sample Traps
metal or wood (about a quarter-meter square) is stepped on or pushed. Dart Trap: Triggered by stepping on one of three plates
Pressure plates may be on the floor or wall. A tripwire trigger releases placed across a hallway, this traps shoots four darts (two each;
the trap when a wire, cord, or other material attached to the tripwire is damage 1D each; speed 10; combat difficulty 15) at the first
walked through or broken. A switch could be a cord yanked, an outcrop- two adventurers in the area. Trap difficulty: 21.
ping pulled, a lock turned, or something similar. A hand-triggered trap Lock Trap: When a character attempts to pick the lock
requires that someone watch for the victim to come within the range and is successful, a large poisoned needle (damage 5D; speed
of the trap’s effect and, once that happens, activate the trap. 15; combat difficulty 10) shoots out and stabs the thief. Trap
When a character triggers a trap, use its speed total and compare difficulty: 20.
it the initiative total of those affected by the trap. Those who have
Pit Trap: The floor falls away from beneath the characters,
a higher total than the trap are allowed to generate a full-defense
dropping them into a large dug-out area about 4.5 meters
dodge total, if they so desire.
high (damage of 3D from fall). The pit opening is about two
Once it’s the trap’s turn in the initiative, compare the trap’s combat
meters on a side. Trap difficulty: 13.
attack total to the defense totals of its intended target or targets.
(The combat attack total takes into account range.) The trap affects
 CHAPTER XII

• Magic •

What’s in this Chapter Alteration

This chapter covers the ability to manipulate the paranormal forces Alteration governs magic involving change. Change means taking
of the universe for extraordinary effects. The Magic skills are available something that exists and modifying it or mutating it into something
only to characters with the Magic Extranormal attribute. else. A magic spell used to increase a character’s Physique attribute
Although this chapter discusses guidelines for creating magical would be an alteration spell, as would one that converts a simple
spells, gamemasters may still include unexplainable magic. Since flame into an exploding fireball. Alteration could enhance, reduce,
unexplainable magic doesn’t have to be explained — it just is — its or restrict a character’s existing skills.
use is out of the players’ characters’ control. Only the gamemaster Alteration must work with things that are already there. An altera-
knows how it works. tion spell can only modify existing characteristics. It could be used
to change a person into a bat, but it would not give the person the
Obtaining Access to Magic ability to fly; conjuration would also be necessary to give the character
the Flight Special Ability, something he didn’t have before.
There are only two ways for players’ characters to get magical abili-
ties. The first is to put dice in the Magic attribute and skills at character
creation, which costs the same as obtaining other attributes.
Apportation
The second is to obtain the gamemaster’s permission after play Apportation governs magic involving movement. For example, a
has begun. If the player can come up with a reason for the character telekinesis spell, by which a character could “grab” an object and move
to learn or gain magic abilities (such as they were latent or were a it using magic, would be an apportation spell. Calling a dagger from
gift from a supernatural being) and the gamemaster agrees, then a box at home to your hand is apportation, as is teleporting yourself
the player may purchase them for the character. The cost to get the
initial 1D in Magic is 20 Character Points. After that, it is 10 times
the number in front of the “D” to improve this attribute by one pip.
The player must still purchase Magic skill pips separately, though a
player may buy one pip in one Magic skill for the character at the same
time as he initially gets the attribute after character creation.
Gamemasters are discouraged from allowing characters to have
multiple Extranormal abilities, but it is possible, especially if the
character has several Disadvantages that show up frequently in
each session or the character’s religion requires experience in both
magic and miracles.

Learning & Improving

Magic Skills
Magic skills may be learned between adventures, like regular skills.
The cost for a Magic skill, in Character Points, equals twice the normal
cost for gaining or improving a normal skill. This cost is doubled again
if a teacher — simply another magic user with the skill at a higher
level — is not available to instruct the character. A character may
learn or improve one Magic skill after each adventure.

Magic Skills
All spells require one of these skills in order to cast them. When
casting a spell, the character generates a Magic skill total and tries
to beat the spell’s difficulty. If the skill total equals or exceeds the
difficulty, then the spell works (to a greater or lesser extent).
 Chapter 12
to another place. Apportation can also cause a person or creature to
move from one place to another under its own power. Spells that
restrict movement would also be apportation spells.
Apportation is not conjuration — the object or the creature sum-
moned is in existence at the time the spell is cast, the apportation
spell simply “calls” the object or creature.
Characters or creatures may either be apported by compulsion
(and come under their own power), moved by the spell’s power, or
teleported. When the apportation spell uses compulsion, the skill total
is compared to the target’s mettle or Charisma in much the same way
a persuasion attempt would be used — the target’s attitude toward
being apported must be assessed, and the spell works as if it were
“persuading” the target.
For apportation spells with the speed less than the range, the
target is moved by the spell’s power. The spell lifts up the target and
brings her to the caster. For apportation spells with the speed equal
to the range, the target is teleported. In either case, the apportation
skill total has to overcome the target’s weight value. (Look up the
target’s mass on the “Spell Measures” table.) The target can resist
by rolling her Physique or lifting and adding it to her weight value
(theoretically, she tries to make herself harder for the spell to grasp).
(Resisting does not count as an action for the target character.) If
the apportation total is equal to or higher than the weight value, the
character is teleported. This goes for self-teleportation as well (though
the character is not likely to resist).
Conjuration
Conjuration magic involves producing something from nothing.
A spell that produces gold out of thin air is conjuration, as is one that
imbues an inanimate object with animate features (such as creating a
stone man and giving it the attributes of a person). Conjured items and
characteristics remain in existence for the duration of the spell.
Conjuration is used for only one purpose: creation of something
out of nothing. For example, if you wanted to animate a plant and
give it the power of speech, you would use conjuration — you would
have to “create” in it the ability to talk and the Intellect and Acumen
necessary to speak. Conjuration is not used to bring things from one
place to another — that is apportation.
Divination
Divination governs magic involving obtaining knowledge. For
example, scrying spells, “far-sight” spells, and “speak with the dead”
types of spells are all covered by divination. Spells that block the
obtaining of Intellect are also divination spells.
Characteristics of a Spell
There are eight characteristics of a spell, and the precalculated
spells are formatted using these categories of information.
Skill Used: The skill selected is the one necessary to cast the spell.
A different one might be necessary to target or use the spell.
Difficulty: The difficulty is the skill total a character must gener-
ate to get a spell to work.
Effect: The effect describes the primary features of the spell
(amount of damage, amount of protection, distance moved, etc.),
plus the value of the effect.
• Page 84
Duration: Duration specifies how long a spell’s effect will last. The
duration is given in both “real” time (minutes, seconds, hours, etc.)
and in a time value (as read on the “Spell Measures” table).
Range: The maximum distance the effect travels from the magic
user’s casting location is called the range. (If the magic user moves,
the starting point of the range does not go with her.) In most cases,
the character using the spell can only use it at this range or less.
Often, the caster can choose the exact range when the effect is used.
Sometimes, the character must use the spell at this range exactly.
Ranges are given in meters and in distance values (as read on the
“Spell Measures” table).
Speed: The speed indicates how quickly the spell travels from
the caster to the target.
Casting Time: This aspect indicates how long the character must
spend creating the spell’s effect. During the period of casting time,
the character may be performing related actions (like concentrating,
performing rituals, arranging components, etc.), but no other skills
can be used during the casting time.
Other Aspects: Other aspects of the spell encompass modifiers,
including components and expanded effects, that influence the spell’s
effect and adjust its difficulty.
Precalculated spells also include a description, which tells what
skill is needed to create the spell, what the spell does, what any suc-
cess levels mean, and so on. The description may be very short, or it
may include tables and precise explanations of effects.
Using Spells & Their Effects
Roll the spell skill for the spell in question to get a skill total. If
the total is higher than the difficulty number, the spell has succeeded
and the caster may use the spell’s effect.
Which skill the spell requires is either decided when the effect is
developed or listed with a precalculated spell.
Remember that players may spend Character or Fate Points to
make sure they have sufficiently high skill totals to cast the spell.
Targeting or Using the Spell
Many spells require separate targeting or manipulative skill totals
when they are used. The most common of these are combat effects
that act like weapons.
If the spell focuses on a target (such as a heighten attribute or alter
movement spell), the player and gamemaster must decide what skill
(such as marksmanship, melee combat, or throwing) to use to hit, if
Other Magic Systems
Gamemasters allowing magic users created with another
D6 magic system to transfer to this one may find it easier
to rely on the rules from that version for those characters
rather than switching to the D6 Fantasy rules.
However, characters using other magic rules may not rely
on the D6 Fantasy rules — and vice versa. Think of each magic
rules set as a different and distinct way people manipulate
the esoteric forces of the universe.
 Magic
it’s not already built into the spell or described with it, as well as the
appropriate defense, if any. (Gamemasters who prefer to keep activa-
tion skills within the arcane arts could allow a separate apportation roll
as the targeting skill.) Attack spells, for example, would use standard
combat difficulties and modifiers for their defense (regardless of the
targeting skill). Common sense should be used to determine which
skill and defense to use.
Example: With a fireball spell, the gamemaster decides that the
caster has to generate a marksmanship skill total to hit his target. Even
though the fireball will go where he wants it to, there still has to be
some way to determine whether or not anybody is hit by it.
This keeps effects from being automatic “killers.” Granted, most
spells won’t need this — a spell that a character uses to take over a
target’s mind needs no “to hit” total; it is instead the effect versus
the target’s mettle or Charisma.
Casting a spell at the same time as using its targeting or activation
skill is not considered a multi-action. However, if the character wishes
to cast an attack spell, which requires a targeting skill roll, and use a
sword in the same round, then the multi-action modifier of -1D (for
taking two actions in the same round) is applied to the casting roll,
the spell targeting roll, and the weapon targeting roll.
In general, any spell that works like a weapon requires this kind of
control, and a few others might. Gamemasters in doubt may wish to
assign a targeting skill check in addition to the spell skill difficulty.
Backlash Option
At the gamemaster’s option, characters who roll a Critical Failure
with an abysmally small skill total becoming disoriented and lose all
of their actions in the next round.
Strain Option
As another means of controlling the use of magic, gamemasters
may choose to increase the difficulty to cast spells by 1 for each spell
that the character performs beyond a set number (such as five or 10)
before the wizard has a chance to rest (generally, five minutes or so
per spell cast prior to the break).
Applying the Effect
The effect is applied differently depending on its purpose.
Skill Simulations: Some spells provide the character with skills
or bonuses to skills or attributes. For example, a “healing” spell might
give a character a certain number of dice in healing, and the result of
using the spell’s skill gift would be compared to the normal difficulty
for using healing on a target. Any attribute bonuses affect the skills
and specializations under them, and any skill bonuses add to the
specializations under them (if the character has any).
Damage and Protection: The damage from any spell that causes
injury is magical in nature, of course, while protective spells can
defend against it. Thus, creatures and beings that are not normally
affected by standard weapons can be harmed. Of course, unless the
spell includes the appropriate option, nonmagical armor can protect
against magically produced damage.
General Effects: When the spell offers a “general” effect, and
thus has no skill associated with it, the gamemaster will have to make
up levels of success for that spell. A minimal success, with the roll
• Page 85
Untrained Magic
Characters might have spurts of inspiration in areas
in which they have no training. For those who have some
training (that is, pips or dice in any Magic skill), the difficulty
increases by +5 to cast a spell using a skill in which they have
no experience. For those who have no training (that is, no pips
or dice in any Magic skill but they do have dice in the Magic
attribute), the difficulty increases by +5 for all spell casting
and the character must include one additional Negative Spell
Total Modifier (casting time increase, gesture, community,
etc.) worth two or more. This additional modifier does not
reduce the difficulty of the spell, regardless of its level.
equal to the difficulty, means that the spell was slightly off or less
than perfect. A solid success of one to five points over the difficulty
usually gets the spell to do exactly what the caster wants the spell to
do. A superior success of six points over the difficulty reveals that the
spell worked better than usual; at this level, the gamemaster might
even provide a bonus to its use.
Result Points
Unless the spell description mentions otherwise, the result points
(the difference between the spell casting roll and the spell difficulty)
applies to one basic aspect of the spell. The magic user must decide
which one — effect, range, or duration — before casting the spell.
Add one-half of the result points as the bonus to the appropriate
value and refigure the value’s measure or die code, if necessary.
(Round fractions up.)
Artifacts & Legends
Every once in a while, the gamemaster will come up with a spell
or magical item that is either too powerful for game balance, or she
doesn’t want to explain how it works for some reason. In that case,
the gamemaster should use the “artifacts and legends” rule.
The gamemaster can simply assign values and difficulties to a spell
and state that the spell’s effect is “legendary” or part of an “artifact.”
It only works the way it does because the gamemaster says it does.
She can assign any side effects, rules, or whatever to the special
artifact because it is a truly special case.
Precalculated Spells
The next chapter offers several common spells. You can use them
right away or as inspiration for inventing your own.
Designing the Spell
As you create each spell, you will keep track of a Spell Total and
a Negative Spell Total Modifier. Certain elements, like the value
and the range of the effect, cause the Spell Total to go up (that is,
expand the effect but making it harder to “cast”), while other ele-
ments, like gestures or a longer casting time, add to the Negative
Spell Total Modifier and (in the end) make the Spell Total go down
 Chapter 12
Adjusting & Readjusting
As you design a spell, you can always adjust any aspects
you include, so that you can get the Spell Total (and the spell
difficulty) that you want. So, if you decide to add charges to
your wand of power after you’ve created the initial design
but you don’t want the higher difficulty, you can go back and
lower the range, increase the casting time, or tinker with
another aspect, until you have a Spell Total you like.
(that is, make the spell’s casting more challenging though, in the
end, easier to cast).
Note that Negative Spell Total Modifiers are designated within
the spell design system as negative numbers to distinguish them
from those modifiers added to the Spell Total. However, they add to
the Negative Spell Total Modifier total, which is subtracted from the
Spell Total at the end of the design.
You will need a paper and pencil and an active imagination for this
part, so get ready. You can find a blank Spell Design Sheet, includ-
ing a worksheet to help you with the calculations, at the end of this
chapter. A calculator might also help.
Determining the Desired Effect
At this point, write out what you want the spell to do — basically.
What sort of effect are you trying to create? What range will you
need? Will it need charges? How long will the effect last? Consider
all things along these lines. Having some general ideas up front will
help you choose the values of the various aspects of your spell.
Basic Aspects
Use the Spell Worksheet to keep track of the Spell Total and all
modifiers, aspects, and your own ideas.
Starting Spell Total & Starting
Negative Spell Total Modifiers
Most Spell Totals begin at zero, but gamemasters who
want magic less common and spells to be more difficult to
cast should have a greater starting Spell Total. Negative Spell
Total Modifiers always start at zero.
Effect & Skill Used
One you decide what the spell will do — damage, protec-
tion, skill bonus, and so on — determine its corresponding
value using the “Die Code” table or “Spell Measures” table — or
both, if the spell is intended to do more than one thing (such
as create an animated golem). Here are some guidelines.
Damage spells affect character health (that is, their Body
Points or Wounds). To hurt someone, 6D (which you can
determine, by using the “Die Code” table, has a value of 18)
is a safe bet. To kill someone outright, 10D (which has a value
of 30) is usually necessary.
Protection spells work similarly, though, obviously, they
reduce the amount of damage taken. Checking out weapon
• Page 86
damage die codes can help you determine the number of dice you
need for your spell.
Both protection and damage have a visible component (such as a
glowing aura) that indicates their use and, if relevant, trajectory.
Spells that increase, decrease, create, or otherwise affect attributes
or skills are determined the same way. For example, a spell to take
over someone’s mind would give the caster a persuasion of +3D or
more with a value of at least 14.
Spells may not create stand-alone attributes unless they are
included in something that the spell has created (such as a creature).
In this case, use the same level as the stand-alone skill.
Some spells’ effects are best reflected by a Special Ability or a
Disadvantage. With a Special Ability, the spell effect’s value equals 3
times the Special Ability cost times the number of ranks in that Special
Ability, plus the cost of any Enhancements and their ranks, minus
the cost of any Limitations and their ranks. With a Disadvantage, the
spell effect’s value equals the 3 times the cost of the Disadvantage.
Spells generally do not provide a target with Advantages or improved
Funds, but the gamemaster may allow this in special circumstances,
such creating a friendship spell using Contacts.
Spell effects that don’t fall into any category should be given a
difficulty and the circumstance in which the difficulty can be beat.
The difficulty equals the effect’s value.
If the spell creates something, refer to the “Spell Measures” table
to determine the spell effect’s value for the desired amount of weight.
Find the desired weight in kilograms, then read over to the corre-
sponding value under the “Val.” column. Most offensive and defensive
spells have a weight value of zero, but the gamemaster may require
exceptionally heavy-duty spells to have a larger weight value.
The spell designer may choose to have certain characteristics of
the spell (such as a golem’s Physique and Body Points or Wounds)
be determined by the points by which the spell skill beats the spell
difficulty. (Subtract the spell difficulty from the spell skill total to
determine the number of points.) Any attributes figured this way
have a die code equal to the points above the difficulty (minimum
Using the Spell Measures Table
To determine the value for a measure, find the amount (in seconds,
kilograms, meters, or meters per second) in the “Measure” column. Then
read across to the number in the “Val.” (value) column.
If the desired amount is greater than one number but less than
another, either lower your amount or select the bigger number.
Use the “Measure Conversions” chart if you have a measure in a
different unit; you would like to get it to seconds, kilograms, meters,
or meters per second; and you don’t want to do the math before using
the “Spell Measures” table.
Example: If you want a spell to last for one hour, you look up the
number of hours in the “Measure” column. This gives you an hour value
of 0. To convert this to seconds, which is what is needed for the spell
duration value, add 18 to the hour value (which, in this case, is 0). If
you look up the corresponding measure for 18, you’ll see that it’s 4,000,
which is close enough to the number of seconds in one hour (that is,
3,600 seconds).
 Magic • Page 87
Spell Measures Benchmarks
Value Time Weight Distance
Val. Measure Val. Measure Val. Measure
0 1 35 10 million 70 100 trillion 0 Second 1 kilo 1 meter
1 1.5 36 15 million 71 150 trillion 1 Great horned owl War horse height
2 2.5 37 25 million 72 250 trillion 2 Large goose Tallest Human
3 3.5 38 40 million 73 400 trillion 3 Human baby Large wagon
4 5 39 60 million 74 600 trillion 4 Round Small armadillo
5 10 40 100 million 75 1 quadrillion 6 Sea turtle Small sailing ship
6 15 41 150 million 76 1.5 quadrillion 7 Small tree Caravel sail. ship
7 25 42 250 million 77 2.5 quadrillion 8 Medium dog Galleon
8 40 43 400 million 78 4 quadrillion 9 Minute Deer Large longship
9 60 44 600 million 79 6 quadrillion 10 Human male Javelin throw
10 100 45 1 billion 80 10 quadrillion 11 Lion Grt. Pyramid hgt.
11 150 46 1.5 billion 81 15 quadrillion 12 Brown bear Grt. Pyramid base
12 250 47 2.5 billion 82 25 quadrillion 13 Alligator Long bow flight
13 400 48 4 billion 83 40 quadrillion 14 War horse Trebuchet range
14 600 49 6 billion 84 60 quadrillion 15 Small rhino Kilometer
15 1,000 50 10 billion 85 100 quadrillion 16 Giraffe Mile
16 1,500 51 15 billion 86 150 quadrillion 17 Medium squid
17 2,500 52 25 billion 87 250 quadrillion 18 Hour Hippopotamus
18 4,000 53 40 billion 88 400 quadrillion 19 Medium elephant Chariot race
19 6,000 54 60 billion 89 600 quadrillion 20 Large orca
20 10,000 55 100 billion 90 1 quintillion 22 Medium dragon Day’s march
21 15,000 56 150 billion 91 1.5 quintillion 23 Caravel ship Marathon race
22 25,000 57 250 billion 92 2.5 quintillion 25 Day Blue whale Day’s travel for a
23 40,000 58 400 billion 93 4 quintillion dispatch rider
24 60,000 59 600 billion 94 6 quintillion 26 British naval cutter
25 100,000 60 1 trillion 95 10 quintillion 27 Galleon cargo cap. Athens to Sparta
26 150,000 61 1.5 trillion 96 15 quintillion 28 Galleon
27 250,000 62 2.5 trillion 97 25 quintillion 29 Week Colossus of Rhodes
28 400,000 63 4 trillion 98 40 quintillion 30 2-story building Length of
29 600,000 64 6 trillion 99 60 quintillion Great Britain
30 1 million 65 10 trillion 100 100 quintillion 32 Month 10-meter boulder Paris to
31 1.5 million 66 15 trillion Constantinople
32 2.5 million 67 25 trillion 38 Year Medium cathedral Circumference
33 4 million 68 40 trillion of Earth
34 6 million 69 60 trillion 43 Orbit of Moon
49 Great Pyramid

Measure Conversions
Add the value modifier to the measure’s value to determine what it is in seconds, meters per second,
meters, or kilograms, as appropriate to the conversion.
Measure is in units of Value Modifier Measure is in units of Value Modifier
Seconds 0 Meters per second 0
Minutes +9 Miles per hour +2
Hours +18 Kilometers per hour +1
Days +25 Meters 0
Weeks +29 Feet -3
Months +32 Kilometers +15
Years +38 Miles +16
Kilograms 0
Pounds -2
Tons +15
 Chapter 12 • Page 88
Range
Die Codes Determine how far away you want the caster to be able to affect
things with the spell. Then read the measurement (in meters) on the
Values are cumulative, so, if the spell effect has a die code “Spell Measures” table to get a range value. Add the value to your
of 3D+1, the spell effect’s value is 10. The type of character- Spell Total.
istic the spell affects also modifies the spell effect’s value. Unless otherwise specified, the mage can use the spell (or its effect,
Round up fractions. if the spell was charged into an object) to target anywhere within
Die Code Value that range. The caster can aim at a spot or something mobile (such
1 pip 1 as a person or a carriage). If the caster hits a moving target within
2 pips 2 the range of the effect, and the target leaves the range of the spell
1 die 3 per whole die before it ends, the effect disappears (unless you use the focus optional
Value aspect, described herein). Even if the target comes back into range
Characteristic Type Multiplier within the spell’s duration, the spell has to be created again.
Stand-alone stun damage (physical only) 0.75 For purposes of determining the range modifier with ranges
Stand-alone damage* 1 longer than 20 meters, consider anything from three meters up to
Stand-alone protection* 1 one-third of the range to be Short range, anything from one-third
Protection or damage modifier* 1.5 to two-thirds to be Medium range, and anything from two-thirds
Stand-alone die code or non-Extranormal skill 1 to the full range to be Long range. (Round fractions up.) For ranges
Non-Extranormal skill modifier 1.5 of 20 meters or less, distances from three meters to the full range
Stand-alone non-Extranormal attribute 1.5 are Short range.
Non-Extranormal attribute modifier 2 Example: A spell has a range of 40 meters, which translates to a
Stand-alone Extranormal skill 2 Short range of 3 to 14, Medium of 14 to 27, and Long of 27 to 40.
Extranormal skill modifier 2.5 For apportation spells, range indicates either how far away the
Extranormal attribute modifier 3 target is or how far a target may be sent. If the latter, the target must
*To protect against or do damage as both mental and physical, be no more than one meter from the caster.
each type, purchase each one separately.
Note: To have damage ignore non-magical armor, add 0.5 Speed
to the value multiplier listed. To have protection against either Speed determines how fast the spell gets from the caster to the
magical or non-magical attacks (but not both), subtract 0.5 from target. First, look at the range value (above). That is the maximum
the value multiplier listed. distance the effect travels. If you select a speed value equal to the
range value, then the spell’s effect travels from the caster to the

of 1D). Body Points equal 10 plus the points above the difficulty,
while Wound levels equal the points above the difficulty, divided by
2 and rounded up (minimum of one Wound level). There is no cost
for Body Points or Wound levels and the first attribute decided with
this method; each additional attribute ups the Spell Total by one.
A spell may contain more than one effect. Each effect is determined
separately and added to the total. All of the effects must fall under
the domain of the same skill. You should also list the skill used to
cast the spell at this time. See the “Skills and Sample Effects” sidebar
for suggestions.
The minimum value for an effect is zero.
Once you decide on a spell effect’s value, write it down. This is the
first element of your Spell Total.
Note on Attack & Protection Spells
By default, magical and nonmagical armor can defend against
attack spells. To ignore nonmagical armor, double the value to add
it. Damage is either physical or mental. To do both, each kind must
be purchased separately.
Similarly, protection spells defend against both magical and non-
magical attacks. To be subject to one but not the other, half the value
to add it (round up). The protection may be against physical or mental
attacks. To resist both, each kind must be purchased separately.
Skills & Sample Effects
Here are some typical effects associated with each of the
Magic skills.
Alteration: modifier to a skill or attribute; additional
levels of a Special Ability the target already has; new Limita-
tions or Enhancements on an existing Special Ability; damage
modifier; Armor Value modifier; transmutation. Spells may
not directly affect movement skills.
Apportation: weight of material moved; distance moved;
speed at which target moves; modifiers to movement skills
and Move.
Conjuration: amount of material created; new or stand-
alone skills or attributes (skills or attributes that do not modify
an existing skill or attribute); new Disadvantages; new Special
Abilities; skills and attributes included in conjured items;
damage or protection not based on an existing value.
Divination: time in the past or future; stand-alone
investigation, search, or tracking skills to discern specific
information.
 Magic
target in one second, because the speed’s unit of measure is meters
per second.
You can select a lower speed value. Its corresponding measure
indicates how quickly the spell’s effect moves.
To see how long it takes the effect to reach a given target, subtract
the speed value from the range value to the target (not the range value
of the spell). Read the result as a value on the “Spell Measures” table.
The measurement is the number of seconds it takes for the spell’s
effect to go from the caster to the target.
Example: A player decides the range value of his new spell is an
incredible 30 (one million meters, or 1,000 kilometers). She makes
the speed value, however, only 20 (10,000 meters per second, or 10
kilometers per second). The target is 400 kilometers away (a value of
28). The range of 28 minus the speed of 20 gives a result of 8. Reading
this on the “Spell Measures” chart reveals that it takes 40 seconds
(eight rounds) for the effect to reach the target.
Sometimes, you’ll use a lower speed to keep the Spell Total lower.
However, quite often, especially with attack spells, you’ll need that
instantaneous effect. If you build an attack spell with a lower speed,
you have to be aware that the spell will be less accurate — that is, the
target will be able to get out of the way much easier.
The difference between the speed value and the range value of
the target is added to the target’s defense value or combat difficulty
when getting out of the way of a slow attack. So, in the previous
example, not only would it take a value of 8 (40 seconds) to reach
the target, the target would get a bonus of +8 to dodge on the round
that the spell’s effect reaches the area where the caster guessed the
target would be at that time.
A higher speed value than the range value provides no benefit.
Add the speed value onto the Spell Total and keep going.
Duration
Duration indicates how long the effect lasts or continues to act
upon a target. To determine how long the duration is, find the time
value on the “Spell Measures” table and add it to the Spell Total. List
the time measure with the spell, leaving it as seconds or converting
it to rounds, minutes, hours, or whatever.
The minimum duration for any spell is one second (or zero value).
Since the duration begins from the moment the spell is cast, the
duration may have to be quite long, especially if it takes a while for
the spell to travel to its target (determined by a lower speed value
than its range value; see the pervious section).
Casting Time
The last of the mandatory elements is casting time. This is the
time the character must spend preparing the spell and performing
any optional aspects (such as rituals, concentration, and so forth).
This time must be spent every time the character casts the spell. The
casting time for a spell cannot be rushed. A magic user may perform
no other actions while casting a spell, unless the cast time is three
seconds (value of 3) or less.
The minimum casting time is zero (one second). Unlike the other
mandatory elements, casting time falls under the Negative Spell
Total Modifiers.
Some Notes Regarding Casting Time: For a noncombat spell,
or for a spell that will be built with charges (see the charges optional
• Page 89
Effects & Their Durations
Magic is not a science based on observations of the natural
world. It is an art based on intervening in natural laws. Magical
effects create a reality that temporarily supersede the local
laws of physics. When the magic wears off, the natural laws
resume. In order for there to be a permanent effect, the altered
reality has to stick around long enough for the natural laws to
take over. As it is much easier to destroy something than to
construct it, damage is instantly permanent while a conjured
item usually disappears when the spell’s duration ends. Thus,
many spells, especially combat spells, may have the minimum
duration because their effects are permanent.
Generally, once a natural process begins to break down the
conjured or altered item, then the magic can return control
of the reality to the local natural laws and the conjured or
altered item will not return to its state before being affected
by magic. Similarly, if it would require more work for nature
to revert an altered item (such as closing an opened door or
lock), then reality concedes the spell’s effect and allows it to
continue past the spell’s duration.
aspect), high casting times are good. The character can spend some
time during or between adventures preparing and casting the spell
and then release it using an activation.
If a character attempts to cast a spell over several days or several
weeks, the physical and mental strain will take their toll on the magic
user. When performing a lengthy ritual, the caster must make a
stamina roll against a difficulty of 5 increased by +2 for each day the
character continues the casting time past the first day. The gamemaster
may have the character roll each day, or once at the end. Failure of a
stamina roll means that the character could not maintain the ritual
or concentration, and the casting of the spell fails.
Summary
To this point, you have created a basic spell. It has a set effect,
a set duration, and a set casting time. It may be used at any range
up to the maximum and can only affect one specific target (person,
tree, carriage, spot of ground, etc.). There are no other controls or
modifications.
If you don’t wish to go any further, add the Negative Spell Total
Modifiers to the Spell Total and then divide the total by 2, rounding
up. This is the difficulty to cast the spell. See “Final Spell Total” later
in this chapter for restrictions on the Spell Total. Then decide which
Magic skill is necessary to cast the spell. Write these last few things
on the Spell Worksheet, and you’re done.
Of course, there’s so much else you can do with the spell ...
Optional Aspects
The caster may not care about having any options, but without
optional aspects, the spell is pretty limited.
With every optional aspect, the caster must define exactly what
that particular spell calls for.
 Chapter 12
For those optional aspects that include a special roll (such as
certain levels of gestures or incantations), the roll is made at the end
of the casting time and it does not count as a multi-action, though
the roll must be modified if the magic user is attempting some other,
non-casting-related action in the round.
Area Effect
The effect of the spell travels out from a target. Add the area effect
modifier to the Spell Total.
Adjust the effect by -1 (pip, point of damage, etc.) per full meter
for characters outside of ground zero (within a half-meter of the
target). Compare the targeting roll of spell against the defense total
of characters not at ground zero; those who have a defense total
greater than the targeting roll managed to dive for cover or protect
themselves from the effect.
Example: A spell with a damaging effect and an area effect with
a four-meter radius would do the full damage to between zero and
one-half meter from the target, one point less to characters between
one-half and one meter, two points less to characters between one
and two meters, and so on.
Two-dimensional circle (a few centimeters thick): +1 per half-
meter radius.
Three-dimensional sphere (for explosions and 3D illusions):
+5 per meter radius and +1 bonus to hit one target (bonus is applied
to the same target).
One alternate shape: +1 to area effect modifier.
Several alternate shapes (specific one chosen at time of cast-
ing): +3 to area effect modifier.
Fluid shape (shape may change any time during spell’s duration):
+6 to area effect modifier.
• Page 90
Wards: If the charge is activated by a certain set of situations
(specified at spell casting) — such as a phrase, a condition, or a time
limit — then the charge costs an additional 10% (round up). Should
a specific skill be able to circumvent the ward, the reduction equals
-1 for a difficulty of 20 and an additional -1 for each one point below
the starting difficulty. (So a difficulty of 15 gives a reduction of -6.)
Only spells that have a speed less than the range (and therefore take
at least one round before the effect occurs) may include wards that
skills can circumvent.
Example: A magic user decides to give his mystic bolt spell five
charges. This has a value of 4, which is the charge modifier. Should
the mage decide to charge a door frame with the spell, requiring that
anyone who passes through the door sets off the spell, the charge
modifier becomes 5.
Community
The spell requires helpers in order for it to be cast. Use the accom-
panying tables to determine the amount to add to the Negative Spell
Total Modifiers.
The number of helpers determines the basic community modi-
fier. The “Number of Helpers” is a range of helpers the character has
assisting him. The character must specify when the spell is created
exactly how many helpers are necessary (along with what they must
do and any skills associated with those actions). The tasks must be
reasonable and appropriate to the spell’s effect.
The participation of the helpers is determined by what the helper
actually has to do during the casting time. Decide how much help
the helpers lend (that is, how difficult their tasks are), and multiply

Change Target
The caster can move the spell’s effect to a new target. Add the
Community
change target modifier to the Spell Total. Number Community Difficulty
Only spells with durations of 2.5 seconds or longer may include of Helpers Modifier Modifier
this modifier. Changing a target requires a new targeting roll and, 1 -1 0
if done within the same round as the first targeting roll, incurs a 2 -2 +2
multi-action penalty. If the old target moves out of range before a 3-4 -3 +4
new one is acquired, the spell ends. 5-6 -4 +6
Change target: +5 per target (including first). 7-10 -5 +8
Change target with multi-target (multi-target aspect pur- 11-15 -6 +10
chased separately): the change target modifier applies to each multi- 16-25 -7 +12
target (ex., three change targets with four multi-targets is +60, or +5 26-40 -8 +14
times 3 changes times 4 targets). 41-60 -9 +16
61-100 -10 +18
Charges
The caster fixes the spell in his mind or in an object or another
Helper Participation
person. Add the charges modifier (see below for determining it) to Participation
the Spell Total. Helpers perform … Multiplier
The caster need spend the time to cast the spell only once, but if Simple actions 0.5
there is a targeting or activation skill or requirement, then this must be Difficulty 11 action 1
done each time. The charge goes off in the round it was activated. Difficulty 13 action 1.5
Charges: Look up the number of charges as a measure on the Difficulty 15 action 2
“Spell Measures” table; the corresponding value is the cost of put- Difficulty 17 action 2.5
ting the charges in. (Round fractional measures down; minimum Difficulty 21 action 3
value of 1.)
 Magic • Page 91
the community modifier by the corresponding participation mul-
tiplier. The participants must be able to perform the tasks within
the casting time. Components
The character creating the spell must declare what type of Component is ... Modifier
actions the helpers must perform. Simple actions include readying Ordinary, easily obtained (rock, dirt, tree branch) -1
components, chanting mantras, passing tools, and so on. Very common, easily purchased or traded for -2
A participation level with a difficulty means that the helpers (match, wooden board, candle)
actually have to execute some sort of complex action during the Common, but must be purchased for reasonable cost -3
casting — perform a sacrifice, dance (and make an acrobatics skill (flint and steel, inexpensive clothing, oil, incense)
roll), or whatever. Different helpers can be doing different things Uncommon (rare in some places, common in others) -4
of the same difficulty for this purpose. Multiple groups of helpers (certain types of food or cloth)
might be performing different levels of actions, for multiple com- Very rare (rare in most places or expensive) -5
munity multipliers. (valuable gem, precious metal, rare spice, exotic herb)
Example: A magic user casts a spell to summon a spirit. There Extremely rare -6
might be two communities involved. The minor apprentice members (near-priceless gem, orichaleum, plutonium)
of his guild (a group of 31) might be chanting (a simple action). This Unique (a particular king’s burial garments) -7
gives a community modifier of 4 (8 times 0.5), while a cadre of four Destroyed in casting or at end of spell’s duration x2
senior apprentices perform the sacrifice of a lamb (difficulty 11),
Number of Components Multiplier*
for a modifier of 2 times 1, or 2. These are two separate modifiers
1–3 1
worth 4 and 2 respectively, or a total of 6.
4–6 0.75
When the magic user finishes the casting time of a community- 7 or more 0.5
aided spell, the gamemaster generates a skill total for any com-
munities involved (when necessary). The skill of the community *Multiply the total component modifier by this value and round up.
should be fairly average, unless the gamemaster has reason to
think differently (the minor apprentices, above, would probably
have artist skills of around 2D+2, while the priests might have melee
combat skill of 3D or so). Concentration
Add the difficulty modifier to the difficulty to determine the chance The caster needs to devote his complete attention to the creation
of having the entire group succeed (in a mass skill total). So, if the of the spell in order for it to work. The length of concentration must
31 minor apprentices in the above example had to generate a artist: be equal to or less than the casting time. The minimum concentration
chanting total of 11 (because they had to chant a long string of words time is 1.5 seconds.
correctly) using their average skill level (2D+2), the actual difficulty Concentration: Use the “Spell Measures” table to determine
would be 22 (11 + 14). For this reason, it is best if large groups only the corresponding value for the concentration time measure; divide
participate by performing simple actions. this value by 3 (round up) to determine the amount to add to the
If the group is a small one (under six), or if the community role is
being performed by players’ characters or specific gamemaster-con-
trolled characters, however, the skill totals can be made separately.
No difficulty modifier should be added to the community difficulty
when the skill totals are figured separately. If any community group
Concentration Distractions
or member of a community fails in his skill total, the entire spell Level of Distraction Modifier*
does not work. Completely isolated chamber 0
Character Points and Fate Points may only be spent from indi- Isolated, but some distractions
vidual character pools on their own rolls. They may not be spent on (trees, birds chirping, pictures) +2
“group” rolls. On a fairly deserted street, with a few passers-by +6
The “Community” table is based on the “Spell Measures” table, so In a room with a few other people
you can extend the modifiers accordingly. To get the difficulty modifier, who are being quiet +8
multiply the “base modifier” by 2 and subtract 2 from that. Alone in a booth at a sparsely filled tavern +10
Alone at a table in the middle of a sparsely
Example: A spell that use 1,000 apprentices would yield a bonus
filled tavern +14
of +15. The difficulty modifier would be +28 (15 x 2 = 30 -2 = 28).
Alone at a booth in a busy tavern +16
Components At a tavern booth with a few other people
who are being quiet +18
The spell requires one or more items or needs to be done in a certain
Packed tavern +20
location in order for the effect to go off. The items or location should
be representative of the spell’s effect. Use the accompanying table to * Modifier to mettle difficulty.
determine the amount to add to the Negative Spell Total Modifiers.
 Chapter 12 • Page 92
Negative Spell Total Modifiers. Add the concentration modifier to 6
to get the mettle difficulty, which the character rolls at the end of the
concentration time. If the character fails the mettle roll, the spell fails. Gesture
A Critical Failure on the mettle roll indicates that the caster takes any Complexity Modifier
feedback associated with the spell, even though it didn’t work. Simple (point finger, toss herbs, flip switch) -1
Fairly simple (make circles with finger) -2
Countenance Complex (action difficulty 11) -3
The caster’s body changes in response to the use of magic. Some go Very complex (action difficulty 15) -4
pale or even blue with a lack of blood flow to their skin, others shake Extremely complex (action difficulty 19) -5
uncontrollably or foam at the mouth, still others get bulging eyes or Challenging and extremely complex
swollen lolling tongues. This alteration in appearance lasts until the (action difficulty 23) -6
end of the spell’s duration. Use the accompanying tables to determine Also will offend most seeing it -1
the amount to add to the Negative Spell Total Modifiers.
Nothing unreal can happen here: no glowing eyes, no flames from
nostrils, no unearthly aura, except as a psychic illusion that only the
target can see. The drawback to an illusory change is that, no matter modifier to the Spell Total. If there is a difficulty listed, the character
what the victim’s perceptions and predispositions were before the fact, must make an acrobatics or sleight of hand roll against that difficulty
after the image is seen, the victim is forever firmly convinced that the at the end of the casting time.
caster is an inhuman monster. Only those already endowed with a
psychic or magic ability are capable of accepting that image for what Incantation
it truly is. Psychic illusions may be used only with living targets. The caster, a charge, or a ward requires that a word or phrase
be said so that the spell will work. Use the accompanying tables
to determine the modifier to the Spell Total. If there is a difficulty
Countenance listed, the character must make an artist or persuasion roll against
that difficulty at the end of the casting time.
Change in Appearance Modifier
Noticeable (gray pallor, foaming) -1 Multiple Targets
Extreme (convulsions, psychic image) -2 The caster can place the exact same spell on more than one target
(but not the same target multiple times) without having to cast the
spell separately for each target. Add the multiple targets modifier to
Feedback the Spell Total. Each target must be within the spell’s range.
If a targeting skill roll is required by the spell, using it on multiple
The magic user lowers her resistance to taking damage when she
targets is not considered a multi-action. If the difficulties to hit each
casts the spell. This damage may not be defended by armor, Special
target are within three points of each other, the caster need roll
Abilities, other spells, or any other means. It may only be healed by
only once. If it’s greater than this, each target requires a separate
natural means (such as resting or sufficient food).
targeting roll.
Feedback: -1 to the Negative Spell Total Modifiers for each -1 to
Multi-target: +3 per target (including first target; ex., three
the damage resistance total. The damage resistance modifier dissipates
targets is +9).
at a rate of one-half of a roll of the character’s Physique per day, with
the decrease occurring at the beginning of a new day.

Focused
When a spell is “focused” on a target, it stays with the target until
the duration has ended. Add the focused modifier to the Spell Total. Incantation
The range of the spell, then, only determines how far away the Complexity Modifier
target can be from the caster. Damage spells that are focused on a A few words or sounds -1
target do the same damage each round. A complete sentence or lengthy phrase -2
Focused: (value of effect + value of duration)/5, round down, A complex incantation (action difficulty 11) -3
minimum of +1, per target. Litany (action difficulty 15) -4
Example: A spell’s effect is 5D in damage, so the effect has a value Complex formula (action difficulty 19) -5
of 15, and the spell has a duration of 10 seconds (two rounds), so Extensive, complex elements (action difficulty 23) -6
the duration has a value of 5. The cost of the focused optional aspect Also in a foreign tongue and character must
is (15 + 5)/5, or +4. have one pip in that speaking specialization -1
Also must say it very loudly -1
Gesture Also will offend most hearing it -1
The caster, a charge, or a ward requires that a gesture be made so
that the spell will work. Use the accompanying tables to determine the
 Magic
Multi-target with area effect modifier (area
effect aspect purchased separately): +6 per target
(including first target; ex., three targets is +18). Unreal Effect
Disbelief
Unreal Effect Difficulty
When a caster adds this optional aspect to a spell, it 0 0.75
causes the effect of the spell to be illusory. The effects 9 0.5
are not real — they are just perceived as real. 13
The special effect is automatically believed unless
a target or an observer actually states otherwise.
Then, depending on the disbelief difficulty (see the
accompanying table), the illusion may lose all of its effects. The
easier an illusion is to disbelieve, the more the modifier is worth
(the “Modifier Multiplier”).
Since the effect is what is being tampered with, the spell effect’s
value directly controls how much the modifier can be worth.
Start with the spell effect’s value, determined way back in “Effect
& Skill Used.” Then, when you decide how hard it is for a character
to disbelieve the illusion, multiply the effect’s value by the modifier
multiplier. Round up. The resulting number is added to the Negative
Spell Total Modifiers.
Example: You decide that your fireball with a damage of 10D,
which has a value of 30, is an illusionary effect with a disbelief dif-
ficulty of 0. You multiply 30 by the Modifier Multiple of 0.75 for a
result of 22.5 (rounds up to 23).
The guidelines for disbelief are as follows:
• Any player’s character can disbelieve at any time he sees a spell’s
effect occur but, if the effect was used during a conflict round, this
counts as an action.
• Gamemaster characters should only disbelieve when the game-
master thinks it is appropriate, or when the character using the spell
uses it quite often (and effectively).
• When a character disbelieves, he generates a Acumen or investiga-
tion total. If the total is equal to or higher than the disbelief difficulty,
he is successful. The spell has no affect on him whatsoever — it does
not disappear, but any effects it had do not apply to him.
• If a character is encouraged to disbelieve by another character who
has successfully disbelieved (and who he trusts or who can persuade
him), he gains +4 to his Acumen or investigation total.
• A character who has disbelieved a spell will not believe in the
effect later if it comes from the same source in the same way (i.e., if
the character disbelieves the effect of a particular wand of power, that
wand of power will never be effective against him again, but he may
or may not believe in other magical wands).
• The character who uses or creates the spell knows it is an illusion
and can never be influenced by its effect.
• The gamemaster can, and should, apply difficulty modifiers to
the disbelief difficulty based on how believable (or ridiculous) the
spell seems to be.
• In the event a character takes damage or suffers some sort of
debilitating effect from an illusion that would, logically, disappear
after he disbelieves the illusion, it does.
Example: If a character falls into a “trap” and takes damage from
falling, and then finds out the whole pit was an illusion, he’ll be
• Page 93
healthy. But, a character who is “killed”
by an illusion is dead unless another
character, who does not believe the
Modifier illusion can, first, perform a healing
Multiplier total equal to 21 and then, second, help
him disbelieve the illusion. This has to
be done within a number of hours equal
0.25 to three times the character’s Acumen
attribute — otherwise, he slips into an
irreversible coma and dies.
Warning: Do not overuse this modi-
fier. Once the players are clued into what the gamemaster is doing,
she’ll never get another illusionary spell through on them. The best
way to use this is to have a nasty gamemaster character mage research
a number of spells two ways, as both “real” effect and “unreal.” He then
casts the illusionary versions (with the lower difficulty number) until
someone figures out they’re not real. Then, just for fun, he switches.
Imagine the look on the player’s faces when their characters charge
through the “illusionary” wall of fiery death and find out it’s a bit more
substantial than they first thought. It’ll drive them nuts.
There are a few things to remember when casting unreal effects. The
spell does not affect the caster. He knows it’s illusionary. So a character
can’t make an unreal bridge over a ravine and walk across it. Using
the same example, if someone other than the caster believed in the
bridge, they could walk across it, maybe. They would unconsciously
use any means at their disposal to cross the chasm without realizing
it. If they couldn’t locate a way, they would find some reason that
they could not cross the bridge. An illusionary bridge doesn’t allow
people to walk on air, nor can it cause people to jump off a cliff and
die without realizing it.
Variable Duration
The caster may turn on and off the spell as many times as desired
before the duration expires. Add the variable duration modifier to
the Spell Total.
The duration lasts from the time the spell is cast until the dura-
tion time is up, regardless of the number of times or how long the
spell is turned on or off.
Off-only: +4.
On/off switch: +8.
Extended duration (separate from off-only and switch; extended
duration time measure — not value — added at spell casting if desired):
For every +1 of extended duration, the time may be increased by the
equivalent measure for that number of points. For example, +1 allows
the caster to extend the duration by 1.5 seconds, while +9 allows a
duration extension of 60 seconds.
Variable Effect
The caster may change the amount of the spell’s effect when he
casts the spell. Add the variable effect modifier to the Spell Total.
Raising and lowering the effect’s amount (die code or bonus) add to
the Spell Total separately. Be sure to specify in the spell’s description
the maximum or minimum effect. If the spell has multiple effects,
each variable effect must be purchased separately for each effect
(though not all effects need have the same variable effect aspect, if
they have it at all).
Variable effect: +1 for every pip or point per direction per effect.
(There are three pips in one die.)
 Chapter 12
Variable Movement
The caster can control the movement of the spell’s effect. Add the
variable movement modifier to the Spell Total.
Accuracy bonus: +2 for each +1 bonus to the targeting skill
total.
Bending: +1 to bend around obstacles smaller than the target;
+3 to bend around obstacles the same size or smaller than the target;
+4 to use the effect to find a target the caster can’t see (though the
spell may no affect the target); +5 to send the spell after a target the
caster can’t see, although the caster gets a +4D (+12) modifier to the
targeting difficulty.
Movement of effect: To move a spell associated with a target
(such as a flight or telekinesis spell), or to make an otherwise station-
ary effect move (such as an illusion), the spell needs this optional
aspect. Determine the desired speed measure (in meters per second)
and its corresponding value on the “Spell Measures” table and add 1
to it; this is the cost of the movement of effect aspect.
Other Alterants
A spell might involve an expansion of its effect
not related to one of the other aspects presented
herein. Use the accompanying table to decide how
much the alterant changes the spell and add the
related modifier to the Spell Total.
Other Conditions
There might be other circumstances the spell
requires in order to work. Compare the condition
concept to the accompanying table to determine the
amount to add to the Negative Spell Total Modifiers.
Final Spell Total & Spell Difficulty
Once you have determined all of the factors involved with casting
the spell, add the Negative Spell Total Modifiers to the Spell Total
to get the Final Spell Total. Then divide the Final Spell Total by 2,
rounding up. This is the difficulty the caster must meet or beat with
the appropriate Magic skill.
Minimum Spell Total
Negative Spell Total modifiers may not reduce the positive Spell
Total to lower than 20 for most spells, making the spell difficulty
no less than 10.
• Page 94
Other Alterants
Amount of Improvement Modifier
Small (adding flavor or a scent) +1
Moderate (+1 to required activation skill;
giving a golem features) +2
Significant (giving manipulative
fingers to tendrils) +3
Incredible (conjuring a small animal) +4 or more
Cantrips
Cantrips, also known as glamours, are small, simple, everyday
spells. They may have maximum Final Spell Totals of 10 and minimum
difficulties of 2. Their duration values must be 9 (one minute) or
less and their casting values must be 4 (one round) or less. Cantrips
may not have the following optional aspects: change target, charges,
community, focused, or variable effect. Components may only be
of the ordinary, very common, or common variety, though, if the
player can make a good case for it, the gamemaster may allow
a component of a higher level that is not destroyed to be used
(such as a personal staff or ring). Gestures and incantations may
offer no more than a -2 modifier each, and no cantrip may have
more than one of each. Modifiers from “other conditions” may
offer no more than a -2 adjustment.
Design Time
A player who learns this magic system can probably come up with
a basic spell in a matter of minutes. The gamemaster can review it
quickly, and it can be used right away.
Well, not exactly. The character has to spend time working out
the spell, too. He has to experiment, do trial and error, and come up
with the effect — or risk blowing himself up. The amount of time it
takes to design a spell has nothing to do with the amount of time
it takes to cast it.
To figure out the base design time, look up the spell difficulty in the
“Val.” column of the “Spell Measures” table. Read across to the “Mea-
sures” column to determine the number of seconds that the spell takes
to design. (Divide this number by 5 to get the number of rounds, or 60
to get the number of minutes, or 3,600 to get the number of hours.)
Design times of less than five seconds round up to five seconds.

Other Conditions
Condition Modifier
The condition can be fulfilled most of the time or with simple preparations, or requires a skill roll of difficulty 9 -1
The condition is not met normally, or at least without some preparation, or requires a skill roll of difficulty 10–11 -2
The condition is out of the caster’s control, but is fairly frequent, or the condition requires a skill roll of difficulty 12–13,
or the caster has to go to elaborate lengths to meet the condition -3
The condition occurs very infrequently, or is very hard for the caster to obtain, or requires a skill roll of difficulty 14–16 -4
The condition will not occur without the caster taking elaborate measures, or requires a skill roll of difficulty 17–19 -5
The condition is rare and almost totally (or totally) out of the caster’s control, or requires a skill roll of difficulty 20 or more -6
 Magic • Page 95
The character may rush the design, but this increases the dif- Duration: As this is simply
ficulty (not the Final Spell Total) of casting the spell. The minimum a tiny missile, it doesn’t need to Fire Missile
design time that may be rushed is 10 seconds. The difficulty increases last long. Again using the “Spell Spell Difficulty
depending on how much less time the character puts into the task: Measures” table, this time keeping Worksheet
+5 for 25% less time, +10 for 50% less time, and +20 for 75% less in mind the measure is in seconds, Total the values for each
time. A character may not perform any task in less than 75% of the Geoff thinks that 3.5 seconds is aspect and put the number
normally needed time. Thus, to rush an hour-long design time into long enough. He writes its value in the correct box. If you do
30 minutes, the difficulty increases by +10. of 3 on line 4. not use an aspect, put 0 on
its line. NM = Negative Spell
Taking any other actions while designing the spell increases Casting Time: Geoff wants the
Total Modifiers.
the amount of time to make it. Usually, it takes twice as long, but caster to do this quickly, so, refer-
gamemasters should adjust this up or down, depending on the cir- ring to the “Spell Measures” table, Starting Spell Total 0
cumstances of the distraction. he decides on a time of 1.5 seconds. 1. Effect +9
Characters remaking a spell they previously designed or working This allows the caster to perform 2. Range +6
from spell in a book or on a scroll can cut their time in half, though it in the same round as its effect.
3. Speed +6
the design time minimum of five seconds still applies. This is his first Negative Spell Total
There is no roll to design a spell, though there certainly could be Modifier, so he writes the casting 4. Duration +3
an adventure in finding the right components or the perfect location time’s value of 1 in the bottom of 6. Area Effect +0
to cast the spell. the worksheet, on line 5. 7. Change Target +0
Optional Aspects: Geoff 8. Charges +0
Starting Spells decides at this point to skip the
optional aspects — he’s in a hurry.
14. Focused +0
By default, a character may start with any number of spells, 17. Mult. Targets +0
He writes “0” on lines 6 through 23
though some require more effort and components than others to
of the worksheet. 19. Var. Duration +0
cast. Some gamemasters may wish to restrict the number of start-
Finishing the Spell: Geoff first 20. Var. Effect +0
ing spells to ones that the magic user has specifically “learned.” The
adds the lines related to the Spell 21. Var. Move. +0
more that magic abounds in the setting, the more the novice user
Total and gets 24. Then she adds
should have, but three spells per skill per full die in it would generally 22. Alterants +0
the lines dealing with the Negative
serves most settings. Spell Total = 24
Spell Total Modifiers and gets 1. He

Spell Design in Action subtracts 1 from 24 to get 23. Divid-

ing this by 2 and rounding up, she
Starting NM 0
Geoff decides to create a basic fire missile spell, since he doesn’t finds that the difficulty to cast this 5. Cast Time +1
see anything like that in the precalculated spells in this book. Once spell is 12. Geoff realizes, because 9. Community +0
he decides on the value of an aspect, he writes it on the Spell Dif- of the rounding, he could go back 10. Components +0
ficulty Worksheet. and add 1 to the damage, which
11. Concentration +0
Starting Spell Total: In this setting, the gamemaster has decided would give him, after subtracting
the Negative Spell Total Modifiers, 12. Countenance +0
that spells aren’t easier or more difficult to cast than average, so the
starting Spell Total is zero. an even 24 to divide. He decides 13. Feedback +0
Starting Negative Spell Total Modifiers: The Negative Spell that he’ll do that next time. 15. Gesture +0
Total Modifiers always start at zero. Geoff knows that, although Design Time: Geoff wants to 16. Incantation +0
they are listed as negative numbers, these modifiers will add to the find out how quickly his mage can
18. Unreal Effect +0
Negative Spell Total Modifiers total. use the new spell. He looks up the
spell difficulty of 12 on the “Spell 23. Conditions +0
Effect: Geoff decides that he doesn’t want to make a spell that’s
too powerful (and too difficult to cast), so he picks 3D as the amount Measures” chart to find the equiva- NM Total =1
of damage the missile spell does. He only wants it to do physical lent measure of 250. He divides this
Spell Total 24
damage. Using the “Die Codes” chart, he figures that this has a value by 5 to get the number of rounds
of 9. He writes this on line 1 of the worksheet. (which is 50 rounds) and by 60 to NM Total –1
Spell’s Skill: At this time, he also picks the skill needed to cast get the number of minutes (which Final Spell Total = 23
the spell. Since it has to do the creation of something, this spell falls is about four minutes). Good thing Difficulty = 12
under conjuration. he thought of this before his caster (Final Spell Total/2)
Range: Looking on the “Spell Measures” table, Geoff selects 15 would need it!
under the “Measure” column, which has a value of 6. Since the base You can download a more in-depth
measure for distance is meters, the range becomes 15 meters. Geoff example of designing a spell with this system online at www.west-
writes “6” on line 2. endgames.com. Go to the Free section and look under “D6 System”
Speed: Geoff doesn’t want a delay, so he makes the speed equal to find the link.
to the range and writes “6” on line 3.
 Spell Design Sheet
Name: Spell Difficulty
Worksheet
Skill: Difficulty: Total the values for each
aspect and put the number
1. Effect: in the correct box. If you do
not use an aspect, put 0 on
2. Range: 3. Speed: its line. NM = Negative Spell
Total Modifiers.
4. Duration: 5. Casting Time: Starting Spell Total ____
6. Area Effect: 7. Change Target: 1. Effect + ____
2. Range + ____
8. Charges: 3. Speed + ____
4. Duration + ____
9. Community: 6. Area Effect + ____
10. Components: 7. Change Target + ____
8. Charges + ____
11. Concentration: 14. Focused + ____
17. Mult. Targets + ____
12. Countenance:
19. Var. Duration + ____
13. Feedback: 14. Focused: 20. Var. Effect + ____
21. Var. Move. + ____
15. Gesture: 22. Alterants + ____
Spell Total = ____
16. Incantation:
Starting NM 0
17. Multiple Targets: 5. Cast Time + ____
18. Unreal Effect: 9. Community + ____
10. Components + ____
19. Variable Duration: 11. Concentration + ____
12. Countenance + ____
20. Variable Effect: 13. Feedback + ____
21. Variable Movement: 15. Gesture + ____
16. Incantation + ____
22. Other Alterants: 18. Unreal Effect + ____
23. Conditions + ____
23. Other Conditions:
NM Total = ____

Description: Spell Total ____

NM Total – ____
Final Spell Total = ____
Difficulty = ____
(Final Spell Total/2)

Permission is hereby granted to photocopy this page for personal use. Copyright 2004 Purgatory Publishing Inc., www.westendgames.com.
 CHAPTER XIII

• Precalculated Spells •
What’s in this Chapter
This chapter offers a sampling of spells created with the spell-
design system in the previous chapter. Use them as is, or be inspired
by them in making new spells. See “Characteristics of a Spell” on page
84 for details on how to read the spell listings.
All spells were designed with a starting Spell Total of zero, so basic
and additional aspects were added to the effect’s value.
Note that this is only a template for a spell and not an actual
spell, because it does not indicate in the description which attribute
is affected. The caster must specify which attribute and skill to mime
before learning the spell (which takes one round).
Open Lock
Skill Used: Apportation
Difficulty: 5

Cantrips Effect: 18 (compare to difficulty to open lock)

Range: 1 meter (0)
Speed: 0
Charm Duration: 1 round (+4)
Skill Used: Alteration Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Difficulty: 5 Other Aspects:
Effect: 18 (charm skill bonus of +4D) Components (-3): Large metal key (common)
Range: Self (0) Gesture (-2): Mime opening the lock with the key (fairly simple)
Speed: 0 Incantation (-2): “Open, Lock, and reveal your secrets.” (sen-
Duration: 1 minute (+9) tence)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4) Other Conditions (-1): Physical contact with lock
Other Aspects:
Gesture (-2): Smile and make a gesture of welcome or admira-
tion
Unreal Effect (-9): Difficulty to disbelieve is 13
Other Conditions (-2): May only be used on humanoids who
understand the caster’s language and can hear the caster
With a smile and a friendly gesture, the caster improves his charm
skill by for one minute. (If he no charm skill, add the bonus to the
character’s Charisma attribute.) As this is an illusory spell, if the
intended target of the charm disbelieves it, any effect the charm
attempt had wears off immediately.

Heighten Attribute (Template)

Skill Used: Alteration
Difficulty: 3
Effect: 6 (+1D bonus to one non-Extranormal attribute)
Range: 1 meter (0)
Speed: 0
Duration: 5 rounds (+7)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Other Aspects:
Gesture (-3): Mime an activity using a skill that falls under the
attribute to be heightened (complex, action difficulty of 11; examples:
sleight of hand for Coordination, lifting for Physique)
This cantrip gives the target a bonus of +1D to one of his attributes
for 25 seconds, or five rounds — as long as he doesn’t move more
than a meter from the spot on which he received the bonus.
 Chapter 13 • Page 98
To cast this cantrip, the mage touches the lock with one hand
while, with the key held in it, miming opening the lock with the other
Deadly Dart
Skill Used: Alteration
hand. After reciting the incantation, he touches the lock with the key
Difficulty: 11
and turns the key. If the spell effect’s value is equal to or greater than
Effect: 18 (+4D in damage)
the difficulty of the lock, it opens. If there are any traps or wards on
Range: 100 meters (+10)
the lock, they are not circumvented by this spell! Note that this spell
Speed: +10
works on any kind of mechanical lock.
Duration: 5 rounds (+7)

Alteration Spells Casting Time: 40 minutes (-17)

Countermagic
Skill Used: Alteration
Difficulty: 19
Effect: 29 (compare to skill total of spell countering)
Range: 60 meters (+9)
Speed: +9
Duration: 1 round (+4)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Other Aspects:
Concentration (-1): 3 seconds with mettle difficulty of 7
Gesture (-1): Wave hand through air as if wiping away something
(simple)
Incantation (-3): “Your hold is broken!” (sentence, said loudly)
Other Conditions (-4): One spell, which the caster must specify
when casting this spell
The caster concentrates on the spell he wishes to counter, waving
his hand and shouting the required incantation. The effect’s value
plus the result points bonus are compared to the skill total used to
create the targeted spell. If the countermagic number is equal to or
higher than the target spell’s skill total, the spell is broken.
Countermagic Ward
Skill Used: Alteration
Difficulty: 11
Effect: 29 (compare to skill total of spell countering)
Range: Self or a target within 1 meter (0)
Speed: 0
Duration: 1 round (+4)
Casting Time: 25 minutes (-16)
Other Aspects:
Charges (+6): 6 charges, with a ward to go off when a spell “hits”
the target
Concentration (-4): 10 minutes with mettle difficulty of 10
Focused (+6): On target
Gesture (-1): Wave hand through air as if wiping away something
(simple)
Incantation (-3): “Let no spell touch me!” (sentence, said
loudly)
Similar to the countermagic spell, this spell gives the target a gen-
eral protection against spells. It is triggered by a spell “hitting” the
target. Up to six spells can be countered in this fashion. The effect’s
value plus result points bonus are compared to the skill total used
to create the targeted spell. If the countermagic ward number is equal
to or higher than the target spell’s skill total, the spell is broken.
Regardless of the success of the ward, one charge is lost.
Other Aspects:
Charges (+1): 1 charge
Components (-11): Black obsidian (uncommon, destroyed), dart
(common)
Feedback (-3): -3 to damage resistance total
Focused (+5)
Gesture (-1): Rub the tip of the bullet on the stone (simple)
Incantation (-1): “Darkness of death.” (a few words)
Variable Movement (+4): +2 accuracy bonus
This spell uses a piece of black obsidian to increase the deadliness
of a dart. The mage utters a short, dark phrase while gently stroking
the tip of the dart across the stone. The darkness travels into the
dart, draining the stone of its pigment.
To release the spell, the caster throws the dart within five rounds
of casting the spell. He generate an marksmanship total, adding a +2
bonus for the increased accuracy of the spell, against the combat dif-
ficulty for the target. The target must be within range of the spell, or
the dart merely does its normal effect. The target takes an additional
4D in damage in the round the dart hits and for the next four rounds.
The spell ends if the target moves beyond the spell’s range.
Fear
Skill Used: Alteration
Difficulty: 19
Effect: 30 (intimidation skill bonus at +6D+2)
Range: 100 meters (+10)
Speed: +10
Duration: 2.5 minute (+11)
Casting Time: 1 minute (-9)
Other Aspects:
Components (-5): An item owned for at least a month by the
target (very rare)
Gesture (-1): Point item at target (simple)
Incantation (-1): Frightening words (a few words)
Unreal Effect (-8): Difficulty to disbelieve is 13
To cast the spell, the mage first needs something belonging to
her target — his comb, his watch, a lock of his hair. Mutter a few
words of power, point the item at the target, and watch the fun. This
spell gives the caster an intimidation skill bonus of +6D+2, but only
towards that target. The target may disbelieve it with a Charisma or
mettle roll of 13.
Water Spray
Skill Used: Alteration
Difficulty: 10
Effect: 12 (4D damage)
Range: 15 meters (+6)
Speed: +6
 Precalculated Spells
Duration: 3 rounds (+6)
Cast Time: 5 seconds (-4)
Other Aspects:
Components (-6): Liter of water (ordinary, destroyed), squeez-
able container (uncommon)
The mage needs a liter of water in a container that she can
squeeze to produce a spray. As she casts the spell, the mage squirts
the water onto her hand, letting it run off in the direction of her
target. The volume and force behind the water spray increases
dramatically. The spray lasts for three rounds of combat. The
spell does 4D in damage per round and requires a marksmanship
roll each round to hit the target. The caster may only select one
target per spell duration.
Apportation Spells
Alter Movement
Skill Used: Apportation
Difficulty: 15
Effect: 4 (1 meter per round)
Range: 25 meters (+7)
Speed: +7
Duration: 4 minutes/50 rounds (+12)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Other Aspects:
Focused (+2): On target
Gesture (-2): Point at target, then make running motion with
fingers (fairly simple)
Incantation (-2): First say, “I command your speed,” followed
by whether the target should slow or quicken (sentence)
Variable Effect (+5): Caster may increase effect’s value by up
to 5 points on the “Spell Measures” chart
Other Alterant (+1): At time of casting, mage may choose to
speed up or slow down target (small)
The caster makes her target either hurry up or slow down,
depending on how she words her command. The target’s movement
is altered by the measure of the spell effect’s value plus any result
points bonus (as read on the “Spell Measures” chart).
Example: A magic user casts the alter movement spell to slow
down a charging bull. At casting time, he decided to use the spell
effect’s value plus the full variable amount, for a minimum change
value of 9, or 60 meters per second (12 meters per round). If his
skill total was one point over the difficulty, the new change value
would be 10, or 100 meters per second (10 meters per round).
This rate would then be subtracted from the bull’s current move-
ment rate, causing the raging animal to come to a complete and
shockingly sudden stop.
Carrying Wind
Skill Used: Apportation
Difficulty: 13
Effect: 15 (wind with a lifting of 5D)
Range: Self (0)
Speed: 0
Duration: 1 hour (+18)
• Page 99
Scrivened Spells
Scrivened spells are spells triggered by reading them. Most
commonly written on a single sheet of paper or parchment, any
surface will do.
Almost any spell that doesn’t involve charges, a ward, or a
component that’s enhanced because of the spell (such as deadly
dart or mystical shield) may be set down as a scrivened spell. They
are usable once by anyone who reads the spell, even those with
no magical ability. The scrivened spell scribe performs all of the
requisite aspects; the spell releaser is bound by the skill required
to use the spell (such as a targeting skill) and most of its aspects,
except casting time, community, concentration, components,
feedback, gestures, incantations, and other conditions requiring
the releaser to do something. (The wizard has already performed
these requirements.)
The scribe of the spell may not use a scrivened spell that he
created.
The following aspects for a scroll spell are added to any required
by the spell:
• Charge (+2): 1 charge with ward, spell released when the
description is read
• Components (-6): sheet of paper (common); ink (common)
• Concentration (-3): 4 minutes with mettle difficulty of 9
• Gestures (-2): Write a brief description of the spell on the
paper
Scroll spell modifier (total value of above new aspects):
-9
The casting time might also need adjusting.
Current Casting New Casting
Time Value Time & Value
0–5 4 minutes 10 seconds (-12)
6–13 10 minutes (-14)
14 16 minutes (-15)
15 25 minutes (-16)
16 42 minutes (-17)
17 or more No change (0)
Using the chart, determine the new time. Subtract the old
time’s value from the new time’s value. Add this number to the
scroll spell modifier of -9. Divide the new total by 2. Reduce the
spell difficulty by this number to get the new spell difficulty. The
minimum difficulty for a scrivened spell is 5 (which is lower than
the normal minimum difficulty).
Example: Evil eye curse has a casting time of two rounds, which
has a value of 5, and a difficulty of 11. Using the chart to determine
the new casting time, the player notes that it’s now four minutes
10 seconds with a value of 12. Subtracting 5 from 12 gets 7. Adding
this to the scrivened spell modifier gets 16. Dividing by 2 gives a
modifier of 8. The difficulty for a evil eye curse scrivened spell is 5
(11 - 8 = 3, with a minimum of difficulty of 5).
Players may use these guidelines to create scrivened spells from
scratch, with a minimal spell difficulty of 5.
 Chapter 13
Cast Time: 1 hour (-18)
Other Aspects:
Area Effect (+15): 3-meter sphere
Charges (+4): 6 charges
Component (-4): May only be cast outdoors, in a clear area (ordi-
nary), mage wears loose clothes (common)
Feedback (-8): points of damage
Gesture (-2): Mimic a fight (fairly simple)
Incantation (-2): “I subdue you and I command you, O wind!”
(sentence)
Variable Movement (+7): 25 meters per second
This is a charged spell. To cast it, the mage goes outside and starts
running, jumping, and mimicking flight. The mage should be wearing
something loose that can catch the wind. One cast garners the mage
six charges of the spell.
When released, the spell causes a wind to rise and lifts the mage
into the air. The mage can control the direction of the wind and its
speed (up to 25 meters a round). The spell can carry as if it had a
lifting of 5D.
The wind forms a three-meter sphere around the mage’s body,
and nothing can be carried that won’t fit in that sphere.
Relocate Person
Skill Used: Apportation
Difficulty: 14
Effect: 11 (teleport up to 150 kilograms)
Range: 100 meters (+10)
Speed: +10
Duration: 1.5 rounds (+1)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Other Aspects:
Charge (+2): 3 charges
Gesture (-2): Point to target then point in direction of new loca-
tion (fairly simple)
Incantation (-1): “Go there.” (one or two words)
After the mage casts the spell, she has firmly fixed in her mind
three uses of it. When she releases the spell, she points at her
intended target, which will be instantly teleported to the range of
the spell. The result points bonus may be added either to the value of
the weight transported or the distance traveled; read the new value
on the “Spell Measures” chart. The spell will not allow anything to
appear inside a solid object. Remember that a target who is aware
of the potential relocation may roll her Physique or lifting and add it
to her weight. The caster’s spell roll must then beat that difficulty as
well as the spell’s difficulty.
Note: A similar spell, relocate item, is identical in every way except
that the effect is to carry an item weighing no more than 10 kilograms,
with a value of 5, and thus the difficulty is 11.
Conjuration Spells
Cage
Skill Used: Conjuration
Difficulty: 27
Effect: 25 (resistance total of bars)
Range: 25 meters (+7)
• Page 100
Speed: +7
Duration: 1 hour (+18)
Casting Time: 1 minute (-9)
Other Aspects:
Area Effect (+15): Sphere with a radius of 3 meters
Gesture (-3): Mime escaping from a cell, then point to target
(complex; acrobatics roll with difficulty of 11)
Unreal Effect (-7): Disbelief difficulty of 13
Cage traps a target in a prison of magical energy. To cast it, the
wizard mimics trying to escape from a cell, then points at her target.
If a marksmanship total beats the combat difficulty for the target, the
quarry is trapped. The cage is a sphere with a radius of three meters.
Creatures larger than that can’t be confined by this spell.
The effect’s value plus the result points bonus serves as the damage
resistance total of the bars. The target can disbelieve and thus free
himself by generating a Acumen or investigation total of 13.
Communicate with Animals
Skill Used: Conjuration
Difficulty: 10
Effect: 15 (speaking skill with specializa-
tion in the animal’s “language” at 5D)
Range: 1 meter (0)
Speed: 0
Duration: 6 minutes (+13)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Other Aspects:
Components (-2): Something from the type of
animal with which she wants to communicate (very common)
Gesture (-2): Draw a line on the ground (fairly simple)
To communicate with an animal, the caster places on the ground
the bit of something from that type of animal (lock of horse’s hair,
bird’s feather, several strands of dog’s hair). Then she draws a line
from it to her and from it in the direction of the animal or animals
she wishes to speak to. For about six minutes, she receives the abil-
ity to communicate with any of that kind of animal as if she had a
specialization in its language at 5D. She may add the result points
bonus to her speaking roll total. The caster may not move more than
one meter from the casting location.
Evil Eye Curse
Skill Used: Conjuration
Difficulty: 11
Effect: 6 (Bad Luck (R2) Disadvantage)
Range: 10 meters (+5)
Speed: +5
Duration: 10 minutes (+14)
Casting Time: 2 rounds (-5)
Other Aspects:
Focused (+4): On target
Feedback (-3): -3 to damage resistance total
Concentration (-2): 1 round with mettle difficulty of 8
Other Condition (-3): Limited to Humans
With a minimal amount of pain to himself, the caster curses a
Human target that she can see with 10 minutes of Bad Luck (R2).
 Precalculated Spells • Page 101
See the description of this Disadvantage in the “Character Options”
chapter for details.
Feast
Skill Used: Conjuration
Glow Stone Difficulty: 10
Effect: 4 (5 kilograms of food and water)
Skill Used: Conjuration Range: 1 meter (0)
Difficulty: 12 Speed: 0
Effect: 12 (negates up to -4D of darkness modifier) Duration: 4 hours (+21)
Range: Touch (0) Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Speed: 0 Other Aspects:
Duration: 10 minutes (+14) Components (-6): A plain, cloth napkin (common), a small metal
Casting Time: 2 rounds (-5) cup (common)
Other Aspects: Focused (+4), on people who eat food
Area Effect (+5): Sphere with radius of one meter Gesture (-2): Wave hand several times over napkin and cup (fairly
Components (-4): white pebble (common, destroyed) simple)
Focused (+5): On pebble Other Alterants (+3), clean water and hearty food
Gesture (-1): Hold pebble between thumb and forefinger
With this cantrip, the mage creates a meal for two of pure, clean
(simple)
water; flavorful, hearty bread; fresh vegetables and fruits; and, if
Incantation (-2): “Stone of white, give us light.” (sentence)
desired, cheese wedges and smoked meat slices. The food must be
The magic user casts this spell on a small, white stone, making it consumed within 10 minutes of its appearance, so that it has a chance
glow with a fierce radiance that extends for one meter in all direc- to stay in the body long enough to be digested and actually provide
tions around the pebble. The effect lasts for 10 minutes. Once the nourishment. The result points bonus increases the amount of food
duration wears off, the pebble turns to dust. appearing or (at the gamemaster’s discretion) the quality of food.

Mystic Bolt
Skill Used: Conjuration
Difficulty: 10
Effect: 12 (4D in damage)
Range: 10 meters (+5)
Speed: +5
Duration: 3.5 seconds (+3)
Casting Time: 1.5 seconds (-1)
Other Aspects:
Gesture (-2): Swirl hand in air as if gathering energy, then
throw it at target (fairly simple)
Incantation (-2): “Ah!” (word, said loudly)
The mage gathers energy from his surroundings and throws the ball
at a target. It does 4D in damage at a range of up to 10 meters. He
must make a marksmanship roll to hit the target. The bolt must
be fired in the same round that the mage casts the spell.

Mystical Shield
Skill Used: Conjuration
Difficulty: 10
Effect: 18 (Armor Value of 6D)
Range: 1.5 meters (+1)
Speed: +1
Duration: 5 rounds (+7)
Casting Time: 1.5 seconds (-1)
Other Aspects:
Area effect (+2): One-meter radius
Components (-10): A simple ring (uncommon), handful of colored
sand (common, destroyed)
Focused (+5): On ring
Gesture (-2): Using colored sand, scribe an oval shape in the air
(fairly simple)
 Chapter 13
Incantation (-1): “Protection!” (word)
By tossing some sand in a circle in front of her, the caster creates a
semi-transparent oval shield of the same color as the sand. The shield,
about two meters in diameter, appears up to 1.5 meters away. It is
focused on the ring, which the mage must wear. It offers an Armor
Value of 6D against all types of physical (not mental) attacks.
Stunned Senseless
Skill Used: Conjuration
Difficulty: 12
Effect: 15 (6D+2 stun damage)
Range: 10 meters (+5)
Speed: +5
Duration: 3.5 seconds (+3)
Casting Time: 1.5 seconds (-1)
Other Aspects:
Gesture (-2): Point finger and then palm at intended target (fairly
simple)
Incantation (-1): “Stop!” (word)
With a gesture and a word, the magic user sends a bolt of mystical
energy toward his intended target. However, the bolt isn’t intended
to harm the target, instead only doing stun damage.
Divination Spells
Detect the Living
Skill Used: Divination
Difficulty: 14
Effect: 24 (search of 8D to locate a single type of creature)
Range: Self
Speed: 0
Duration: 10 seconds (+5)
Casting Time: 1 minute (-9)
Other Aspects:
Area effect (+20): 10-meter radius circle
Component (-12): Something from the type of creature being
detected (uncommon, destroyed); fire, such as a match or lit coal
(very common, destroyed)
Concentration (-3): 25 seconds with a mettle difficulty of 9
Gesture (-1): Inhale smoke (simple)
Variable Movement (+4): Bending (can’t see target)
Before throwing the spell, the caster should decide what sort of being
she’s looking for, because she’ll need a piece of it for the spell to work
(a lock of hair from a Human, fur or fangs from an animal, etc.).
The caster sets the object on fire and inhales the smoke while con-
centrating. Once the casting is done, the mage can detect the presence
of any such being within a 10-meter radius for two rounds. The higher
the search skill total is above the difficulty, the more information the
caster knows about the beings she seeks (such as location, number,
gender, etc.). The difficulty starts at 10 for a Human-sized creature,
and goes down for larger creatures, up for smaller ones, and up for
the number of other types of creatures in the area.
• Page 102
Scrying
Skill Used: Divination
Difficulty: 11
Effect: 34 (2.5 months)
Range: Scrying object (0)
Speed: 0
Duration: 1 minute (+9)
Casting Time: 2 rounds (-5)
Other Aspects:
Components (-9): Scrying tool with images or symbols (tarot cards,
playing cards, runes, etc. ) (uncommon); item the person owned for
at least a month or the person herself (very rare)
Gesture (-6): Randomize the tool and place parts of the tool in
a set pattern (fairly simple); interpret the symbols (very complex,
scholar difficulty of 15)
Other Conditions (-1): Physical contact with tool
By interpreting cards or runes, the diviner gains a sense of what
the future holds for the person who the reading is about. The mage
may choose to look for a condition that could occur up to two and
a half months into the future. She can see one minute’s worth of
the future. Use the result points of the divination roll to determine
how much information she receives: Zero points reveals confusing
images. One to four points allows one useful fact to be gleaned from
the reading. Five to eight points tells the mage a few useful facts,
including the time of the occurrence. Nine to 12 points allows the
mage to note more details, including time and location. Thirteen
or more points lets the mage see the scene as if she were present,
though in shades of gray.
Sense Past
Skill Used: Divination
Difficulty: 25
Effect: 38 (66 weeks in past)
Range: Touch (0)
Speed: 0
Duration: 66 minutes (+18)
Casting Time: 25 minutes (-16)
Other Aspects:
Area effect (+25): Sphere with radius of 5 meters
Concentration (-5): 10 minutes with a mettle difficulty of 11
Components (-9): Magnifying glass (uncommon), expensive
pocket watch (very rare)
Countenance (-1): Skin turns sickly gray color for duration of
spell
Other Conditions (-1): Physical contact with object
The mage can learn about the past of a single object he touches.
He’ll see visions of events that occurred in a five-meter radius around
the object in the past. The mage can view events that took place in
a past period of time whose value (as read on the “Spell Measures”
table) is less than or equal to the effect’s value plus the result points
bonus. The mage can scan back to that period at a rate of one week’s
worth of images per minute of the spell.
 CHAPTER XIV
• Miracles •
What’s in this Chapter
This chapter covers the ability to call upon a higher power for
extraordinary effects. The Miracles skills are available only to char-
acters with the Miracles Extranormal attribute.
Although this chapter discusses guidelines for creating miracles,
gamemasters may still include uninvoked divine intervention and
miraculous artifacts. Since these sorts of divine intervention don’t
have to be explained — they just are — their use is out of the play-
ers’ characters’ control. Only the gamemaster can decide the cause
and outcome.
In the Beginning
As creating miracles relies on similar game mechanics as spells, game-
masters and players should reach the “Magic” chapter before delving
into this chapter. The terminology then won’t seem so unfamiliar.
Invocations versus Spells
Invoking miracles differs from casting spells in a fundamental
way. Magic bends the forces of the universe according to alternate
laws of nature. Miracles require a connection to a divine will or higher
power. The benefit of this is that invocations can be more effective
— they receive a larger result points bonus, have a lower minimum
difficulty, don’t need a targeting roll, and don’t require the cleric to
see her target. The downside is that the religious devotee has less
freedom than his wizarding counterpart — the religion dictates the
aspects the cleric may use and circumstances in which the cleric
may call for aid.
The Basis of Miracles
A mythos, also known as a religion, encompasses the stories,
symbols, practices, beliefs, and history that people use to connect
themselves to the spiritual power of their universe. A mythos is a
peoples’ interpretation of the way spiritual power works; their faith
in this mythos can act as a conduit for such power. However, faith
can only carry power for purposes that coincide with the mythos,
and the power must manifest itself in ways that are consistent with
the beliefs. To have faith and work miracles in a religion is to accept
all of the core beliefs of the religion. If a religion says there is only
one true god, a faithful follower of that religion can only perform
miracles as long as she believes there is only one true god.
Religions differ dramatically in their interpretation of nature, of
humanity’s place in nature, and the ethical structure of the universe.
Some religions set humanity (or one particular sentient race) apart
from nature, usually one notch above the rest of the world. A character
believing himself to be separate from nature may use nature as he sees
fit; for example, animals may be killed for any reason that benefits
Mankind, as Mankind is a more divine creature than any other.
Many religions having a strong link with nature assign humanity
a place as a piece of nature. In some nature-centered mythos, prayers
must be spoken to get a deer’s permission to kill it, for a deer is as
close to the spirits of the world as humanity is.
Before allowing a player to have a character who performs miracles,
the gamemaster (possibly with input from the player) must first
develop the religion or religions of his setting. That means deciding
on the central higher power or powers, which one the character is
devoted to, and several tenets or requirements of the religion, includ-
ing any that are specific to the character’s preferred higher power.
The Religion Worksheet on the next page can help. (Fill out the sheet
once for the overall religion and once for any specific gods or powers
whose tenets vary from the core.) Knowing a few of the basic tenets
can help the gamemaster decide what sorts of actions the cleric needs
to perform in order to invoke a miracle (see “Required Aspects” under
“Creating Miracles” for some suggestions).
Religions that have multiple gods may have general requirements
for the religion and specific requirements for each god. Some of the
gods might be jealous and demand complete devotion to them, while
others could be more lenient and allow their followers to call upon
the aid of other (preferably lesser) gods.
Some religions, even monotheistic ones, have not-quite-omnipo-
tent beings aiding or hampering their followers. Called spirits, ances-
Basic Types of Religions
Animism: Belief that all things have a vital life force.
Some versions of animism state that all things have a soul
or spirit.
Monotheism: Belief that there is only one god.
Pantheism: Belief that divine beings and the world are
the same thing; the creator is the universe.
Panentheism: Belief that all reality is part of the body of a
divine being or beings; the universe is a part of the creator.
Polytheism: Belief that there are many gods, though no
one god might be vastly greater in power than the others.
Atheism: Belief in the nonexistence of divine beings
or spiritual power that can affect the everyday existence
of humanity. Atheists cannot work any miracles, and so
cannot have the Miracles attribute. However, they can have
the atheism specialization of mettle, to reflect their extreme
support of this philosophy. Atheists are treated as strong
disbelievers by all mythos.
 Chapter 14
tors, celestials, angels, saints, demons, and a host of other terms,
these beings are not usually worshipped by themselves but can be
called upon to act as intermediaries with the divine presence. They
might have a few additional invocation aspect requirements (generally
special prayers or other incantations) necessary to add their help to
that of the higher power.
Note that calling upon the aid of a being whose purposes conflict
with the character’s core religion can have detrimental effects — from
an increased difficulty in performing miracles consistent with the
primary religion to losing Fate Points. (The gamemaster decides on
the most appropriate penalties.)
Obtaining Access to Miracles
All characters who want to have the Miracles Extranormal attribute
must have at least one rank each in the Devotion and Employed
Disadvantages, both related to their religion. Neither of these count
toward the character’s maximum number of Disadvantages.
After that, there are only two ways for players’ characters to get
miraculous abilities. The first is to put dice in the Miracles attribute
and skills at character creation, which costs the same as obtaining
other attributes.
• Page 104
The second is to obtain the gamemaster’s permission after play
has begun. If the player can come up with a reason for the character
to learn or gain magic abilities (such as they were latent or were a
gift from a supernatural being) and the gamemaster agrees, then
the player may purchase them for the character. The cost to get the
initial 1D in Miracles is 20 Character Points. After that, it is 10 times
the number in front of the “D” to improve this attribute by one pip.
The player must still purchase Miracles skill pips separately, though
a player may buy one pip in one Miracles skill for the character at the
same time as he initially gets the attribute after character creation.
When player gives her character the Miracles attribute, she must
declare what specific religion she is faithful to. A character may never
have multiple versions of the Miracles attribute, nor may she have
any skill, Advantage, or Disadvantage that affects her because of her
faith in another religion.
Gamemasters are discouraged from allowing characters to have
multiple Extranormal abilities, but it is possible, especially if the
character has several Disadvantages that show up frequently in each
session. However, some religions may allow — even require — their
clerics to have experience with both magical and divine abilities.

Religion Worksheet
Name: ________________________________________________Type: ______________________________________________
Specific God/Power: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Tenets:
Treatment of Those of Not of the Same Religion/God/Power: ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Relationship to Nature:_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Food Restrictions: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Killing (who and under what circumstances): _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Invocation Requirements:
Community: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Components: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Concentration: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Countenance: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Feedback: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gesture: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Incantation: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Permission is hereby granted to photocopy this page for personal use. Copyright 2004 Purgatory Publishing Inc., www.westendgames.com.
 Miracles
Untrained Invocations
Characters might have moments of inspiration in areas in
which they have no training. For those who have some train-
ing (that is, pips or dice in any Miracles skill), the difficulty
increases by +5 to invoke a miracle using a skill in which they
have no experience. For those who have no training (that is,
no pips or dice in any Miracles skill but they do have dice in
the Miracles attribute), the difficulty increases by +10 for all
invocations.
Learning & Improving
Miracles Skills
Miracles skills may be learned between adventures, like regular
skills. The cost for a Miracles skill, in Character Points, equals twice
the normal cost for gaining or improving a normal skill. This cost is
doubled again if a teacher — simply another cleric with the skill at a
higher level — is not available to instruct the character. A character
may learn or improve one Miracles skill after each adventure.
Miracles Skills
All invocations require one of these skills in order to cast them.
When invoking a special prayer, the character generates a Miracles
skill total and tries to beat the invocation’s difficulty. If the skill
total equals or exceeds the difficulty, then the invocation works (to
a greater or lesser extent).
Divination
Divination involves obtaining knowledge of one’s surroundings
and of the past and future. Miracles that increase or decrease the
Intellect or Acumen attributes or the skills that fall under them require
the divination skill to work properly.
Favor
Miracles that relate to building up, enhancing, or creating some-
thing fall under the favor skill. Some examples include increasing
attributes, adding skills, bestowing Special Abilities, and conjuring
food — as long as giving any of these in no way harms the target or
can be used by the target for harm. Thus, a devotee would use this
skill to improve another character’s dodge but not to improve his
marksmanship ability. Likewise, the favor skill could not work with a
miracle that gives a character a Disadvantage (which falls under the
strife skill), nor does it affect Intellect or Acumen attributes or skills
(those are the domain of the divination skill).
Strife
Characters use the strife skill with miracles that deal with destruc-
tion, reduction, or harm. Some examples include slowing another’s
movement, decreasing skills or attributes, increasing or gifting
combat skills (except dodge), causing injury, interrupting another
miracle or spell, and cursing targets with Disadvantages. It cannot
• Page 105
be used to affect Intellect or Acumen attributes or skills, as these fall
under the divination skill.
Using Invocations &
Their Effects
Roll the skill for the invocation in question to get a skill total.
If the total is higher than the difficulty number, the invocation has
succeeded and the devotee may use the miracle effect.
Which Miracles skill the invocation requires is either decided when
the effect is developed or listed with a sample miracle.
Remember that players may spend Character and Fate Points to make
sure they have sufficiently high skill totals to invoke the miracle.
With a higher power there to help a miracle to happen, most
invocations do not require a targeting roll. (This is quite unlike a
magical spell.) Furthermore, the devotee need not even see her target
for her prayer to affect it. Gamemasters may allow the requirement
of a targeting roll or the target being within the cleric’s line of sight
to be optional conditions of the invocation.
For those miracle that do have targeting rolls, invoking them at
the same time as using its targeting skill is not considered a multi-
action. However, if the character wishes to call for a miracle with
targeting skill roll in addition to using a sword in the same round,
Invocation Success Levels
These guidelines can help you determine how well a miracle
occurred. Subtract the difficulty from the Miracles skill total
to get the result points, then use that number to determine
the level. Where appropriate, the invocation receives a miracle
success bonus equal to the difference between the skill and
the difficulty. This bonus may apply to to the effect or one
aspect of the miracle.
Minimal (0–2): The miracle meets the needs of the
devotee while disturbing the environment as little as pos-
sible. It would be hard to convince anyone that it wasn’t
simply coincidence.
Good (3–6): The miracle not only happens as desired, there
is some small side effect that divine intervention happened.
The effect depends on the type of miracle and the nature of
the divinity called upon, but it could include bright colors in
the area, sweeter air, an uglier wound, and so on.
Superior (7–12): The miracle occurs much better than
hoped, and the devotee gains some additional benefit, such
as asking for navigational aid on a cloudy day and not only
getting a breeze to disperse the clouds, but also finding a
map to guide them.
Spectacular (13 or more): There is no question that
divine intervention caused the miracle to occur. The results
are well beyond what the devotee requested, though not
more than the situation needs. For instance, if the charac-
ter wished merely to harm someone and not to kill them, a
miracle causing injury would not bring death to the target
if the devotee managed this level of success.
 Chapter 14
Choosing the Skill
What happens when a cleric wants to include effects dealt
with by more than one Miracle skill? The gamemaster and
player need to decide what the intent of the invocation is. For
instance, a miracle that creates an undead helper endowed
with the ability to lift objects and look for small items falls
under favor, while one that resurrects someone in order to
wreak havoc — even if that means giving the undead the lift-
ing skill to carry off objects or people or the tracking or search
skill to look for them — comes under strife.
then the multi-action modifier of -1D (for taking two actions in the
same round) is applied to the miracle skill roll, the miracle targeting
roll, and the weapon targeting roll.
Strain and Failure Options
If an invocation fails with a Critical Failure, the devotee may not
attempt that miracle for at least 24 hours (depending on how much
she failed the roll by) or until she undergoes a purification ritual or
performs some other restriction dictated by her religion.
To simulate the strain of channeling the divine will, gamemasters
may choose to increase the difficulty to invoke miracles by 1 for each
invocation that the character performs beyond a set number (such
as five or 10) before the cleric has a chance to rest (generally, five
minutes or so per miracle cast prior to the break).
Circumstances of Invocations
Invocations are spiritual power realized to fulfill a need of the faith-
ful, often affecting the material world. Invocations are not spells, dry
processes that may be learned and then safely put away in a magic jar
for use when desired. The conditions facing the faithful who request
the miracle greatly affect the outcome of the miracle.
Every mythos has certain certain basic tenets. A miracle that does
not conform to those tenets suffers a modifier to its difficulty. Game-
masters can also penalize miracles if the devotee has no immediate
need for them. Similarly, clerics casting miracles to save their own
lives or the lives of the faithful receive a bonus. See the accompanying
chart for details; all modifiers listed are cumulative.
Example: A cleric who belongs to a religion with firm restrictions
against killing for any reason decides to invoke a lethal miracle. This
adds 15 to the difficulty. If the cleric also had urgent need of that
Circumstances
Circumstance Modifier
Violates or stretches values
important to mythos +15
Need for miracle is not immediate +5
Need for miracle is urgent -5
• Page 106
kind of miracle, such as to save a friend’s life, the miracle would also
get a -5 modifier.
Miracles that benefit no one cannot be performed. Thus, a cleric
belonging to a religion restricting killing can cause only harm to
another living being if doing so would save another person (and
possibly herself) from injury.
Designing Invocations
The game mechanics of creating invocations work the same way
(in general) as designing spells, though the game-world process is
different. Read through these restrictions and modifications to spell
aspects, then use the guidelines in the “Magic” chapter to create
your miracles.
Starting the Process
Begin the invocation design process in the same manner as the
spell design process, with the starting Spell Total and Negative Spell
Total Modifiers (see page 86). Then, continue the process in the same
manner as for a spell, keeping the restrictions and requirements for
miracles in mind.
Most invocation Spell Totals begin at zero, but gamemasters who
want requested divine intervention less common and miracles to be
more difficult to invoke should have a greater starting Spell Total. The
Negative Spell Total Modifier always starts at zero.
The blank Invocation Design Sheet, found at the end of this chap-
ter, includes a worksheet that can help you with the calculations. A
calculator might also help.
Required Aspects
Miracles share the same basic aspects as spells — effect, range,
speed, duration, and casting time. However, they also involve one
or more limiting factors, as dictated by the religion. The cleric does
gain the benefit from adding it to the miracle. Clerics must include
the required aspects in any miracle they perform, though, unless the
religion mandates otherwise, they don’t need to include all of them.
Required aspects include: community, components, concentration,
countenance, feedback, gestures, and incantation.
Disallowed Aspects
A miracle may not include charges (except as a ward) or unreal
effects. Generally, gamemasters should disallow the other alterants
aspect; the success of the miracle dictates its effects. It’s unwise for
a devotee to ask for more than the minimum that would satisfy her
current need.
Aspect Specifics
Although miracles can involve most Magic spell aspects as is, a
handful have restrictions or modifications.
Casting Time
The minimum casting time required by all miracles is 1.5 seconds
(which has a value of 1). Should the mythos also require any other
aspect outside of a single-word or single-sound incantation, quick
gesture, or the like, the casting time may need to be readjusted to
 Miracles • Page 107
take this into account. Subtract this from the miracle’s difficulty.
See the “Adjusting Sample Miracles” part in the “Sample Miracles”
section for further details on changing the casting time.

Charges
The only way a miracle can be charged is to install it as a ward in
something. No skill may circumvent a miraculous ward; therefore,
that part of the modifier may not be included.

Community
A cleric may only gain benefit from those who believe in the same
or related mythos.
To determine how effective a community is with a pre-existing
invocation, figure the community modifier for the group the cleric
intends to use. (The focus of the miracle, as long as it’s not the miracle
invoker, can be considered part of the community.) Subtract the new
community modifier from the one required by the miracle (if any).
Divide this number by 2 and round up. Subtract this number from
the miracle’s difficulty.
Gamemasters may optionally allow the faithfulness of helpers
to affect the miracle. A designer of a ritual may include this factor
in the miracle’s design, or it can be tacked on when someone per-
forms the miracle. Use the accompanying chart to determine the
helpers’ faithfulness. The level of faithfulness refers only to helpers
who believe in the same mythos as the cleric, or who are strongly
opposed to it. Those who believe in other mythos that share some
of the basic tenets of the cleric’s mythos might, at the gamemaster’s
discretion, provide a modifier of 1 or 2 (depending on how closely
the two mythos are). Add the modifier to the Negative Spell Total
Modifiers at miracle design or subtract one-half (rounded up) from holding the hands in a certain way; totem carving; dancing; painting;
the sample miracle’s difficulty. drawing designs on skin; violent acts; playing a musical instrument;
ringing bells or similar items; complex body positions; sensory depri-
Components, Gestures, Incantations vation; bathing; specific body movements; and gathering items. Any
The most common components include the following: food; of these may be used at any complexity.
plants; enemies; tattoos; locations (such as standing on holy ground The most common incantations include the following: words or
or near a sacred tree); alignment of planets; phase of the moon; and thoughts directed or related to the divinity in praise, thanksgiving,
items of value (either as defined by the society or personally to the pardon, or petition; one or more of the divinity’s names; passages
cleric). The rarity of the item, location, or situation determines the from religious texts; words or phrases sacred to the divinity; and oaths
modifier that the aspect provides. of fealty to the divinity. They could be sung, spoken, or chanted. Any
The most common gestures include the following: folding hands of these may be used at any complexity.
or arms; touching, waving, or making motions with a holy symbol;
Countenance
Generally, a devotee will go pale, have flushed cheeks, or shake
convulsively. No psychic illusion ever touches their features.
Community
Helpers’ Faithfulness Modifier Feedback
Strongly disbelieve; miracle inconsistent Feedback represents self-sacrifice by the devotee. It also may
with target’s beliefs +3 include some sort of physical gesture. Generally, the devotee cannot
Casual; miracle consistent with target’s beliefs 0 simply will himself to become injured; he must actually do something
Confirmed -2 harmful to himself. (As this is a gesture, he also gets the modifier
Devout (have a faith specialization of mettle or from that aspect.)
a faith-related Advantage or Disadvantage) -5 However, the gamemaster may permit the possibility that the
Mixed (no more than 10% casual and no more divine power to which the cleric is devoted can injure him. In this
than 1% who strongly disbelieve) -3 circumstance, the character only receives the modifier from feedback;
any self-immolation modifier would be included separately.
 Chapter 14 • Page 108
Variable Movement Effect: 6 (+1D bonus to one non-Extranormal attribute)
As invocations generally do not require a targeting roll, nor does the Range: 10 meters (+5)
devotee need to see the target, most of this aspect serves no purpose Speed: +5
for a miracle. Nonetheless, the cleric might find that “movement of Duration: 5 rounds (+7)
effect” comes in handy on occasion. Casting Time: 2 seconds (-1)
Other Aspects:
Other Conditions Other Condition (-3): Bonus may not be used to harm anything
(-1); limited to humanoids (-2)
Gamemasters should carefully consider whether the mythos sup-
ports the player’s proposed modifying condition before allowing a A bless person surrounds and infuses the target character with
player to include it in her miracle design. spiritual energy, as long as the target remains within 10 meters of
Physical touch exists as the most common other condition modi- the blessing cleric. The blessing enhances one attribute of the cleric’s
fier. It provides a modifier of -1 to -3, depending on how difficult it choosing, which must be selected at the time he performs the bless-
is to make contact. ing. The blessed character receives the miracle success bonus to all
related totals.
Minimum Difficulty A character may enjoy the effects of only one bless at any given
time. The cleric may use bless person on himself.
The minimum difficulty for any invocation is 5.
Bless Armor
Design Time Skill Used: Favor
Miracles that have no aspects providing modifiers greater than 2 Difficulty: 13
have a design time of one round, regardless of the miracle difficulty. Effect: 9 (+2D Armor Value bonus)
For all others, follow the Magic design time guidelines. Range: 10 meters (+5)
Speed: +5
Sample Invocations Duration: 8 rounds (+8)
Casting Time: 2 seconds (-1)
Adjusting Sample Invocations Other Aspects:
These sample invocations have been designed as generically as None required
possible. Thus, they do not include any of the required aspects as Bless armor infuses spiritual energy into any armor or garment that
modifiers. To add the mythos’ specific requirements, determine the a single character is wearing, as long as the target remains within 10
value of all of the modifying aspects needed. Then divide this by 2 and meters of the blessing cleric. The blessed character adds the miracle
round up. Subtract that number from the difficulty to determine the success bonus damage resistance totals.
new difficulty of the miracle. Should the required modifiers drop the A character may enjoy the effects of only one bless at any given
miracle’s difficulty below 5 (not including any circumstances modi- time. The cleric may use bless armor on herself.
fiers), the player will need to recreate the miracle following the Magic
spell creation rules, though the minimum difficulty is 5. Enhance Food
For precalculated invocations that the cleric wishes to adapt to Skill Used: Favor
his religion, it is best to recreate the miracle using the proper values Difficulty: 8
for the various aspects. Effect: 1 (1.5 kilograms of food)
Range: 1 meter or less (0)
Example Speed: 0
A character belongs to a monotheistic religion that requires Duration: 4 hours (+21)
invocations to include a prayer of at least a sentence or string of Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
holy words (incantation of -1 or more), bowing the head and cross- Other Aspects:
ing the arms on the chest (a simple gesture of -1 and a fairly simple Components (-2): Any kind of food, in any condition (very
gesture of -2), or both. She decides to perform a foresight invocation common)
and include both a complex incantation with a persuasion difficulty Food blessed by this miracle becomes better tasting, more nutri-
of 11 and her gestures. This gives her a total requirement modifier tious, and possibly transforms into another food entirely. If not eaten
of 3 (3 for the incantation + 3 for the gesture = 6, divided by 2 = 3). within 10 minutes of its improvement, the food turns back to its
She subtracts this number from the foresight difficulty of 19 to get original condition. (The four-hour duration is about how long it takes
a modified divination difficulty of 16. for the body to break down the food, so the food needs to remain in
existence within the body for at least that long.)
Favor Minimal or average success turns spoiled meat, rotted vegetables,
and the like into fresh food again. Good success can cleanse any food
Bless Person of any impurities or poisons. Superior success increases the quality
Skill Used: Favor of the food to the very best possible. Spectacular success actually
Difficulty: 11 transforms the food into a different kind of food; changing from
 Miracles • Page 109
a common fruit to an exotic one, from a cheap cut of pork to an Speed: 0
expensive cut of beef, water to wine, and so on. Duration: 4 hours (+21)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Healing Other Aspects:
Skill Used: Favor Components (-2): About a kilogram of any kind of edible food
Difficulty: 7 (very common)
Effect: 17 (healing skill of 5D+2) The multiplying food invocation is performed on an amount of
Range: 1 meter or less or touch (0) existing food equal to a decent meal for one normal person. For
Speed: 0 each success level gained, double the amount of food. Any food not
Duration: 1.5 seconds (+1) eaten within 10 minutes of its production rots or turns to dust. (As
Casting Time: 1 round (-4) with enhance food, the food needs to be within the body for at least
Other Aspects: four hours to give the body enough time to break it down and get
None required nourishment from it.)
By channeling her spiritual energy to an injured person or creature,
the devotee can use this miracle to heal harm as if she had 5D+2 in Ritual of Purification
the healing skill. Add the miracle success bonus to the healing total. Skill Used: Favor
Difficulty: 12
Multiply Food Effect: 20 (compare to miracle or curse difficulty)
Skill Used: Favor Range: 2.5 meters (+2)
Difficulty: 8 Speed: +2
Effect: 1 (1.5 kilograms of food) Duration: 30 minutes (+16)
Range: 1 meter or less (0) Casting Time: 30 minutes (-16)
Other Aspects:
None required
The purification ceremony heightens awareness
of one’s religion and removes the impurities of the
mundane and the material from the spirit. With a
minimal or average success, it allows the target to
invoke one miracle he failed or it removes one curse
(either magical or miraculous). For any level above
average, the target either receives the miracle success
bonus to any miracle he attempts within the duration
of the ritual or may add the miracle success bonus
to the effect’s value to allow invocation of one failed
miracle or remove any one curse. The difficulty of the
curse or failed miracle must be equal to or less than
the effect’s value (plus the miracle success bonus, if
applicable) in order for the ritual to work.

Spiritual Shield
Skill Used: Favor
Difficulty: 13
Effect: 16 (Armor Value of 5D+1)
Range: 1.5 meters (+1)
Speed: +1
Duration: 5 rounds (+7)
Casting Time: 1.5 seconds (-1)
Other Aspects:
Area effect (+2): 1-meter radius
If successfully invoked, a shield of spiritual energy,
about two meters in diameter, appears up to 1.5
meters in front of the cleric. It offers an Armor Value
of 5D+1 against all types of physical (not mental)
attacks.
 Chapter 14 • Page 110
Divination Casting Time: 2 rounds (-5)
Other Aspects:
Detect the Living None required
Skill Used: Divination When the cleric invokes this miracle, he chooses to look for a con-
Difficulty: 20 dition that could occur up to two and a half months into the future.
Effect: 24 (search of 8D to locate a single type of creature) He can see one minute’s worth of the future. Use the success level
Range: Self (0) to determine the information received: Minimal reveals confusing
Speed: 0 images. Average allows one useful fact to be gleaned from the vision.
Duration: 10 seconds (+5) Good provides the cleric with a few useful facts, including the time
Casting Time: 1 minute (-9) of the occurrence. Superior allows the cleric to note more details,
Other Aspects: including time and location. Spectacular lets the cleric see the scene
Area effect (+20): 10-meter radius circle as if he were present, though in shades of gray.
Other Condition (-1): Limited to one type of creature
Before invoking, the devotee decides what sort of being he seeks. Strife
Should the cleric successfully invoke the miracle, he can detect the
presence of any such being within a 10-meter radius for two rounds,
Banish
whether he can see it or not. The higher the search skill total is above Skill Used: Strife
the difficulty, the more information the caster knows about the beings Difficulty: 15
he seeks (such as location, number, gender, etc.). The difficulty starts Effect: 12 (compare to 2 times the target’s Charisma or mettle)
at 10 for a Human-sized creature, and goes down for larger creatures, Range: 20 meters (+7)
up for smaller ones, and up for the number of other types of creatures Speed: +7
in the area. Add the miracle success bonus to the search total. Duration: 1 minute (+9)
Casting Time: 1 rounds (-4)
Foresight Other Aspects:
Skill Used: Divination Other Condition (-1): Limited to humanoids (including undead)
Difficulty: 19 devoted to a different religion/god/power or undead controlled by
Effect: 34 (2.5 months) a character devoted to a different religion/god/power
Range: Self (0) The miracle can only be used against opponents of a different
Speed: 0 religion. If successfully invoked, compare the effect total to a value
Duration: 1 minute (+9) equal to 2 times the target’s Charisma or mettle (including any spe-
 Miracles • Page 111
cialization related to religion). If the target has not taken an action Fighting Tree
yet this round, she may actively defend by generating a mettle total Skill Used: Strife
(including her faith specialization), but this is considered her action Difficulty: 23
for the round. For undead without a mettle or Charisma score, use Effect: 24 (4D in fighting and 4D in damage)
the die code of the creatures’ controller. Range: 5 meters (+4)
If the target has a lower total, she flees the area (if possible). Speed: +4
Duration: 1 hours (+18)
Bless Weapon Casting Time: 2 seconds (-1)
Skill Used: Strife Other Aspects:
Difficulty: 13 Components (-3): A long supple tree or one with long branches
Effect: 9 (+2D damage bonus) (common)
Range: 10 meters (+5)
Through this prayer, the cleric can animate the branches of a
Speed: +5
tree to strike at anyone within range. Branches that hit the target
Duration: 8 rounds (+8)
inflict 4D of damage. The tree can strike at no more than Short range
Casting Time: 2 seconds (-1)
— less if it’s small.
Other Aspects:
None required
Spiritual Bolt
Bless weapon infuses spiritual energy into any one weapon, as Skill Used: Strife
long as the item remains within 10 meters of the blessing cleric. Difficulty: 12
The invocation applies the miracle success bonus to the damage of Effect: 12 (4D in damage)
the blessed item. Range: 10 meters (+5)
A character may enjoy the effects of only one bless at any given Speed: +5
time. The cleric may use bless weapon on an item he’s holding. Duration: 3.5 seconds (+3)
Casting Time: 1.5 seconds (-1)
Curse Other Aspects:
Skill Used: Strife None required
Difficulty: 14
The cleric gathers spiritual energy to throw in a bolt at a target.
Effect: 6 (Bad Luck (R2) Disadvantage)
It does 4D in damage at a range of up to 10 meters. She must make
Range: 10 meters (+5)
a marksmanship roll to hit the target. The bolt must be fired in the
Speed: +5
same round that the cleric invokes the invocation.
Duration: 10 minutes (+14)
Casting Time: 1 round (-4)
Other Aspects:
Undead Warrior
Focused (+4): On target Skill Used: Strife
Other Condition (-2): Limited to humanoids Difficulty: 27
Effect: 27 (4D in fighting and lifting; 1D in running)
The cleric curses a single humanoid target with 10 minutes of Range: 25 meters (+7)
Bad Luck (R2), which doesn’t leave the target even if he moves out Speed: +7
of range. See the description of this Disadvantage in the “Character Duration: 1.5 hours (+19)
Options” chapter for details. Each success level doubles the amount Casting Time: 2 seconds (-1)
of time that the target has the curse. Other Aspects:
Components (-5): Intact dead body or skeleton (very rare)
Disrupt Spell
This rite causes any one dead creature to rise in its present state
Skill Used: Strife
to serve as a soldier bonded to the cleric. As this is a basic miracle, it
Difficulty: 25
imbues the creature with select skills; the cleric may add more and
Effect: 29 (compare to skill total of spell countering)
increase the difficulty. The reanimated being cannot think for itself, so
Range: 60 meters (+9)
it ignores all Wound level and hit location penalties. It does whatever
Speed: +9
the cleric demands, until the invoker tells it to stop or the duration
Duration: 1 round (+4)
ends. At the end of the duration or if the cleric sends it out of range,
Casting Time: 2 seconds (-1)
the creature falls down in a heap. The invocation’s miracle success
Other Aspects:
bonus may either add to the range or to the amount of damage the
None required
creature does (it has a base Strength Damage of 2D); which applica-
The cleric concentrates on the spell he wishes to counter. The effect’s tion must be decided before invoking the miracle.
value plus the miracle’s miracle success bonus are compared to the
skill total used to create the targeted spell. If the disrupt spell number
equals or exceeds the target spell’s skill total, the spell is broken.
 Invocation Design
Name:
Miracle Difficulty
Skill: Difficulty: Worksheet
Use the spell design rules
1. Effect: on pages 85–94 to create
the miracle, following the
2. Range: 3. Speed: restrictions dictated by this
chapter. Total the values
for each aspect and put the
4. Duration: 5. Casting Time: number in the correct box. If
you do not use an aspect, put
6. Area Effect: 7. Change Target: 0 on its line. NM = Negative
Spell Total Modifiers.
8. Charges (ward only): Starting Spell Total ____
9. Community: 1. Effect + ____
2. Range + ____
10. Components: 3. Speed + ____
4. Duration + ____
11. Concentration:
6. Area Effect + ____
12. Countenance: 7. Change Target + ____
8. Charges + ____
13. Feedback: 14. Focused: 14. Focused + ____
17. Mult. Targets + ____
15. Gesture:
18. Var. Duration + ____
16. Incantation: 19. Var. Effect + ____
20. Var. Move. + ____
17. Multiple Targets: 21. Alterants + ____
18. Variable Duration: Spell Total = ____

Starting NM 0
19. Variable Effect: 5. Cast Time + ____
20. Variable Movement: 9. Community + ____
10. Components + ____
21. Other Alterants: 11. Concentration + ____
12. Countenance + ____
22. Other Conditions:
13. Feedback + ____
15. Gesture + ____
Description:
16. Incantation + ____
22. Conditions + ____
NM Total = ____

Spell Total ____

NM Total – ____
Final Spell Total = ____
Difficulty = ____
(Final Spell Total/2)

Permission is hereby granted to photocopy this page for personal use. Copyright 2004 Purgatory Publishing Inc., www.westendgames.com.
 CHAPTER XV

• Equipment •

What’s in this Chapter
This chapter gives game mechanics for popular equipment, includ-
ing gear, armor, and weapons, plus how to purchase them. Game
effects for various weapon types are also included. Gamemasters need
to decide what’s suitable for their particular settings. All equipment
described herein is of the basic, nonmagical variety.
Unless the gamemaster decides otherwise, players may not spend
Character and Fate Points on Funds rolls.
Coins
Some gamemasters prefer coins to rolling dice for purchasing goods.
They may make their own system to use in their settings, or take this
one: eight copper pieces equals one silver piece; eight silver pieces equals

Purchasing Equipment
Each piece of equipment has a price difficulty associated with it
that expresses how challenging it is for a character to obtain that item. Price Difficulties
If using Funds as an attribute, to purchase an item, the player rolls Difficulty
the attribute against the listed purchase difficulty, adjusted by the Cost of Item or Service Level
gamemaster for the circumstances around obtaining the item (such Cheap (a few copper coins) Very Easy (VE)
as seller’s stock, item quality, general item availability, and so on). Inexpensive (a few silver coins) Easy (E)
If the Funds total equals or exceeds the price difficulty, the character Nominally expensive (several gold coins) Moderate (M)
gets the item. Trading, bluff, charm, and persuasion could all serve as Somewhat expensive (a few handfuls of
complementary actions to the Funds roll, depending on the factors gold coins) Difficult (D)
the gamemaster chooses to include (such as local law, relationship Expensive (several handfuls of gold coins) Very Difficult
of buyer and seller, and so on). (VD)
Prices listed in this chapter do not reflect any modifiers the game- Very Expensive (hundreds of gold coins) Heroic (H)
master may wish to include. Costly* (thousands of gold coins) Legendary (L)
Any item with a price difficulty equal to or less than the number in
front of the “D” in the character’s Funds attribute is an automatic pur- *“Costly” is hardly the top end, and gamemasters should con-tinue
chase. A character may make several automatic purchases per day. adding to the difficulty for higher prices.
Any item with a price difficulty greater than the number in front Minimum
of the “D” in the character’s Funds attribute but less than or equal Item or Service Is ... Modifier
to 3 times that number is an average purchase. A character may Common; average quality 0
make one average purchase per day. Very common; local market is flooded;
Any item with a price difficulty greater than 3 times the number of slightly lower technological complexity
in front of the “D” in the character’s Funds attribute is a luxury than commonly available -5
purchase. A character may make one luxury purchase every seven In high demand; limited availability;
days. of slightly higher technological complexity
When deciding on the type of purchase, include in the difficulty than commonly available +5
breakdowns any modifiers due to an Advantage or Disadvantage. Not generally available to the public;
Example: A character has 3D+2 in her Funds attribute. Her auto- of significantly higher technological complexity
matic purchases have a difficulty of 3 or less. Her average purchases than commonly available +15
have a difficulty of 4 to 9. Her luxury purchases have a difficulty of Out of season or from a distant location +15
10 or more. If the character also had Wealth (R1), she would add her Unusually high quality, highly decorated +5
bonus of +2 to each of these levels, giving her automatic purchases at Damaged or low quality -5
5 or less, average purchases between 6 and 11, and luxury purchases Relationship with Seller Modifier
at 12 or more. Has dealt with rarely or never 0
Failure on a Funds roll means that the character didn’t have the Pays on time; frequent customer;
money for some reason (forgetting to bring enough coins, etc.). Except no complaints by seller -1 or more
when the total is abysmal, the character may roll again after a short Rarely pays on time; problem buyer +1 or more
period of time and attempting to fix the problem.
 Chapter 15 • Page 114
one gold piece. Though this might not seem like an elegant system, it’s
more akin to how the coins would have been minted and split: A round
Adventuring Gear coin can easily be sliced into eight relatively equal parts.
Item Price Gamemasters may then select reasonable monetary values based on
Basket, woven VE (8 C) the difficulty level given; the lists include sample numbers followed by
Bell, small metal E (2 G) C for copper, S for silver, and G for gold. Or gamemasters can roll 3D
Bedroll E (3 SP) and multiplying the total by an appropriate amount for each level. For
Blanket, flannel single E (2 SP) example, to convert to the suggested monetary system, use: one copper
Bowl, wooden soup VE (6 C) coin for Very Easy, one silver coin for Easy, one gold for Moderate, 10
Brazier, portable bronze M (5 G) gold coins for Difficult, 100 gold coins for Very Difficult, 1,000 gold
Bucket, wooden E (4 SP) coins for Heroic, and 10,000 gold coins for Legendary.
Candle, tallow taper; torch VE (1 C)
Chest, small wooden M (3 G) Gear
Cloth, flannel, about 1 square meter VE (8 C) Candle, Lamp: Small, lit candle or lamp has damage of 1D per
Compass D (30 G) round after the first when held in contact with a flammable surface
Drum, handheld M (15 S) for more than one round. A lit candle or lamp negates up to 2D (6)
Fishing hook and line VE (5 C) in darkness modifiers within a meter of the user.
Flute E (2 G) Grappling Hook: +1D bonus to climbing attempts; must be used
Grappling hook E (8 S) with a rope. The hook can inflict Strength Damage +1 in damage.
Hammer E (3 S) Hammer: Useful with some crafting attempts. Can inflict Strength
Healer’s pack VE (16 C) Damage +1.
Holy symbol, silver unblessed M (10 G) Healer’s Pack: A small kit of soothing herbs and clean cloth
Ink in small glass vial M (3 G) strips adds a +1 bonus to three to six healing attempts, depending
Incense (2 long sticks) E (8 S) on how much material is used.
Lamp, pottery VE (8 C) Lockpicking Tools: +1D bonus to lockpicking attempts only if
Lamp oil, medium flask VE (5 C) the user has the lockpicking skill.
Lockpicking tools VD (27 G) Marbles: When stepped on, the victim makes Moderate Agility
Lute M ( 4 G) or acrobatics roll per step (each step counting as an action) he wishes
Marbles, hard clay VE (8 C) to move until he is out of the area of marbles.
Makeup kit (5 uses) E (8 S) Makeup Kit: A single kit contains enough coal dust, flour, red
Mirror, silver M (5 G) powder, and body oil in small vials for five uses, plus application
Mirror, polished steel or bronze M (3 G) brushes of various sizes. Adds 1D to disguise attempts.
Parchment, rice paper, or vellum E (8 S) Pick, Mining: Adds 1D to digging attempts, or does Strength
Pick, mining E (16 S) Damage +2 in damage when striking.
Perfumed water in small glass vial E (10 S) Rope, Heavy (Hemp): Inflicts Strength Damage +2 when used
Pouch, large leather E (4 S) in choking attacks; damage resistance total 5. Can hold up to 100
Pouch, small flannel VE (6 C) kilograms.
Pot, iron cooking E (16 S) Rope, Light (Silk): Inflicts Strength Damage +1 when used
Quill VE (16 C) in choking attacks; damage resistance total 3. Can hold up to 140
Quiver E (8 S) kilograms.
Room in an inn (average per day per person) M (1 S) Shovel: Adds 1D to digging attempts, or does Strength Damage
Room in an inn (common room bed) VE (1 C) +2 in damage with bashing attacks.
Rope, heavy (hemp, 15 meters) E (4 S) Spikes, Iron: +1D bonus to climbing attempts when several are used;
Rope, light (silk, 15 meters) M (15 G) requires a Physique or lifting of 3D or more to insert them into crevices
Sack, rough cloth VE (6 C) without a hammer. Each spike can inflect Strength Damage +1.
Scabbard E (8 S) Torch: A small, lit torch has a damage of 3D per round after the
Sealing wax VE (16 C) first when held in contact with a flammable surface for more than
Shovel E (8 S) one round. A lit torch negates up to 4D (12) in darkness modifiers
Spoon or fork, brass dinner (each) VE (3 C) within several meters of the user.
Spikes, iron E (6 S)
Tent, two-person
Tinder box with flint and steel
M (7 G)
VE (8 C) Magical Items
Vial with stopper, ceramic VE (2 C) Magical items are standard pieces of equipment or weapons that
Vial with stopper, glass VE (7 C) have been enhanced through supernatural means. The gamemaster
Waterskin E (7 S) may either give them whatever sort of game characteristics she
Whetstone VE (1 C) desires, or she may use Special Abilities to represent what they can
do. Any item that doesn’t somehow stay permanently connected to
 Equipment • Page 115
Amulet of Protection: An oddly shaped pendant on a thick leather
cord envelopes the wearer in a defensive aura (Attack Resistance:
Fashion Nonenchanted Weapons (R1), +1D to damage resistance total, with
Type Price Limitation: Burn-out (R1), can be lost or stolen). Price H (200 G).
Belt VE (6 C) Enchanted Dagger: The weapon gives the user a greater chance
Boots E (16 S) of harming magical creatures (Natural Hand-to-Hand Weapon: Dag-
Cloak, flannel E (7 S) ger (R1), +1D damage, with Magically Empowered (R2) and Burn-out
Dress E (5 S) (R1), can be lost or stolen). Price H (600 G).
Hat E (3 S) Ring of Power: With this ring, the user can cast low-level magical
Jerkin E (5 S) spells (Increased Attribute: Magic (R1), +1, with Additional Effect
Robe E (8 S) (R4), treat as if user has 1D+1 in Magic regardless of actual Magic
Sandals VE (7 C) score; Skill Bonus: Magic Skills (R1), +1 to alteration, apportation, and
Shoes VE (16 C) conjuration totals; both with Burn-out (R1), can be lost or stolen).
Skirt E (3 S) Price L (1,200 G).
Tunic E (5 S)
Holy Items
Food and Drink Holy items are handheld objects representing a person’s faith. Some
Item Price are material worked into a symbol of the faith, such as crosses, stars,
Ale (mug) VE (2 C) figures, and writing characters. Others show the significance of the
Bread (loaf) VE (2 C) material itself, such as water or an herb, or an action, such as prayer
Butter (small crock) VE (5 C) beads. The higher the level of the spiritual leader (such as a priest, rabbi,
Cheese (wheel) VE (7 C) or other cleric), the greater the benefit the symbol imparts. Additionally,
Cookies, sweet (a few) VE (4 C) the faith of the user and the target can influence the effect.
Eggs (a few) VE (1 C) Warding Holy Symbol: Shaped from metal or wood in a sacred
Feed (for animals) VE (5 C) representation, this item helps the user turn away undead creatures
Fruit, fresh or dried (each or handful) VE (2 C) (Skill Bonus: Intimidation (R1), +3 to intimidation totals, with Ability
Grains, flour (a few kilograms) E (8 S) Loss (R1), only works on undead beings; Burn-out (R1), can be lost
Gruel (bowl) VE (1 C) or stolen). Price VD (20 G).
Herbs, fresh or dried (bunch) VE (3 C) Blessed Water or Herbs: Sprinkled on the opponent, this causes
Jam, jelly, preserves (small crock) VE (5 C) harm only to those with evil in their hearts (Natural Magick (R10):
Meat, fresh local pork, mutton, beef, fowl, Harm to Evil, effect: 5D magical physical damage, range: 10 meters,
or fish (a few kilograms) VE (16 C) duration: 2.5 seconds, cast time: 1.5 seconds, Component: blessed
Meat, smoked (a few kilograms) E (16 S) water or herbs, Other Condition: Against Evil Only, with Burn-out
Milk (a few liters) VE (8 C) (R5), one-time use). Price VD (50 G).
Nuts (handful) VE (8 C)
Pastry (each)
Rations (day)
VE (8 C)
VE (8 C)
Armor & Shields
Spices, rare (small pouch) E (8 S)
Stew (bowl) VE (5 C) Combining Armor
Vegetable (a few) VE ( 2 C) A character cannot wear two suits of the same type, though he
Water (glass) VE (1 C) could combine some types. The listing below tells what armor may
Wine (glass) VE (8 C) be worn with what other armor and the kind of bonus it can provide.
Note: All food and drink prices assume the items are commonly Of course, layering armor assumes that the two pieces fit together
available for sale in the location. — a character couldn’t wear two helmets, even if they were made of
different materials. For protective gear not listed here, use the type
in this chart that the armor in question most closely resembles to
determine what it can be combined with.
a character should have the Limitation Burn-out (R1), can be lost or Except armor providing less than a full die of protection, any
stolen. Although it’s rarely possible to purchase these items, they allowed combination offers the character the complete armor bonus
might be found (or sold) in larger cities.. for both layers, up to any maximums dictated by the game.
Hides and Fur, Bone and Hide: May be worn over any other
Mystical Artifacts type of armor. May not be worn under anything. Adds a maximum
Forged by an ancient race, created by supernatural beings, or of +1 to the Armor Value of the total combination.
discarded from another dimension, mystical artifacts take many Soft Leather, Heavy Fabric, Quilted Silk: May be worn over or
forms. Some are completely beneficial, while others have a secret under any other type of armor. Adds a maximum of +1 to the Armor
or obvious curse. Value of the total combination.
 Chapter 15 • Page 116
Maximum Damage Resistance
Armor Total Option
Type Armor Value Price Some characters carry around their own protection, so it doesn’t
Hides and fur, fur cloak +2 M (5 G) make much sense to add more to it. The maximum damage resistance
Soft leather, heavy fabric +2 M (3 G) roll a character can have before adding any negative modifiers, Char-
Quilted silk +2 M (4 G) acter Points, or Fate Points but including Physique, protective gear and
Bone and hide +1D M (7 G) abilities, and other modifiers is 6D. Ignore any Armor Value above
Padded leather +1D M (8 G) this. Gamemasters may adjust this depending on how effective they
Hard leather +1D+1 M (9 G) want protective gear to be.
Ring mail +1D+2 M (11 G)
Chain mail
Bronze
+2D
+2D
M (15 G)
M (16 G)
Weapons
All weapons described in this section were designed with Humans
Plate mail +3D D (40 G)
in mind. Characters more than twice or less than half the size of
Shields Humans do not receive their scale modifier when attempting to employ
Human-sized weapons. Additionally, for missile weapons, very large
Type Armor Value Price and very small humanoids may incur at least a +5 modifier to the
Buckler (0.5 meters long) +2 E (7 S) combat difficulty or even find it impossible to use the tiny objects.
Small shield (1 meter long) +2D E (16 S) For simplicity, gamemasters may have the weapons of larger or
Medium shield (1.5 meters long) +2D+1 M (3 G) smaller humanoids deal the same amount of damage as their Human-
Large shield (2 meters long) +2D+2 M (4 G) sized counterparts, making certain to include the scale modifier to
account for increased or decreased damage. Human-sized characters
relying on weapons designed for someone larger or smaller than
themselves use the scale modifier of the creature for which the item
is designed — they do not use their own scale modifier when attack-
Padded Leather, Hard Leather: May be worn under any type ing. (They do use their own scale modifier when they defend.)
of armor or over soft leather, heavy fabric, or chain mail. For more information on using scale, see page 71.
Chain Mail: May be worn over or under any other type of
armor. Terminology
Plate Mail, Bronze: May be worn under soft leather, heavy fabric, Damage: Damage is the amount of harm a weapon does. Melee,
or quilted silk. May be worn over soft leather, heavy fabric, padded thrown, and those missile weapons relying on a person’s strength to
leather, quilted silk, or chain mail. determine their power are enhanced by the characters’ Strength Dam-
Shields: May be combined with any armor, but only offer protec- age (see “Determining Strength Damage” on page 62 on determine the
tion if held between the attacker and the user. May not be combined die code). Weapons that are affected by strength have a “+” in front
with other shields unless stacked in a stationary position. of their damage die code. Note that the damage is based on the rate
of fire; most weapons have a rate of fire of once per round. See the
Encumbrance Option “Combat Options” chapter for guidelines on other rates of fire.
Wearing a lot of protective gear can make performing certain Range: This factor takes into account that the weapon is less
actions challenging. Each additional layer of armor increases Agility- effective the farther it is from the target. The values given are the
based difficulties by +4 or more, depending on the joint flexibility of the maximums, in meters, for Short, Medium, and Long ranges.
pieces. The gamemaster might also apply this modifier to any armor, For generated values, roll the character’s Physique or lifting. The
especially heavy or bulky ones like plate and bone and hide, including modifier after “PHYS” indicates the number to take from or add onto the
an additional modifier of +1 for every full die in Armor Value. total. These totals, in meters, determines the ranges the character can
throw the item. If the total becomes zero or less because of the modifier,
Minimal Armor Option then the character cannot throw the item to that range. (Gamemaster
Many adventurers like to show off their well-endowed (muscled
or otherwise) or heavily tattooed bodies. Against humanoids with an
Intellect of less than 4D, the character wearing fanciful armor receives
a +1D bonus to all charm or intimidation rolls for the first round of Special Weapons
each scene (as appropriate for the character’s physical presence).
Certain supernatural beings have an Achilles’ Heel Disad-
However, humanoids with Intellects of 4D or more see through the
vantage relating to some types of metal, particularly silver or
ruse, and the character receives no bonus.
iron. Any sharp-edged weapon can be made of or coated in
Furthermore, the gamemaster should ignore the Armor Value
these substances, and they do additional damage as described
when determining the effects of called shots to unarmored portions
by the creature’s Disadvantage or description.
of the body.
 Equipment • Page 117
with no roll or a marksmanship roll of 10 to reload
in one round. Musket: damage 4D; range 10/25/60;
price D (12 G). Pistol: damage 3D+1; range 5/10/25;
price D (8 G). Charge, wadding, and shot: VE (2 S)
per bullet packet.
Black Powder Bomb: This bomb consist of
melon-sized pottery ball filled with black powder.
A fuse protrudes from the ball, and when the fuse
burns down, the ball explodes, usually with a big
enough boom to knock down most monsters.
Bomb: damage 6D; range: Physique -2/Physique
-1/Physique; price M (6 G).

who prefer straight values should multiply the die code in Physique or
lifting by 4, then add the pips to get the “PHYS” value.)
Muscle-Powered
Weapons
Muscle-powered weapons include all those that
depend upon a character’s strength to get them to
their target. Instead of having their damage die codes listed as a single
number, muscle-powered weapons have damage adds.

Gunpowder Weapons Missile & Thrown Weapons

Not every fantasy setting includes the invention of gunpowder, All missile and thrown weapons take an action to reload, either to
but for those that have, here are a few weapons using that propellant. notch another arrow or pull out another dart. Generally, characters
The guns rely on marksmanship for their accuracy, while the black may reload in the same round as firing or throwing (with a multi-
powder bomb needs throwing to loft it to a new location. action penalty), except crossbows, which require the character to
Note that both muskets are quite heavy, requiring a wooden rest replace the bolt and crank it in place.
to allow proper aiming. Anyone not using a rest must take
a multi-action, using one action to lift the gun (Physique
or lifting difficulty of 3) and one to fire the weapon.
Arquebus: Also known as the matchlock musket, Missile & Thrown Weapons
the arquebus is a simple weapon with a wooden stock Range
and heavy iron barrel. It varies in length from 1.2 to 1.8 Damage Short Med. Long Price
meters or more and weighs nine kilograms. Missile Weapons
The weapon is a simple muzzle-loader; in other words, Blowgun & dart 1D2 10 40 100 VE (10 C)1
the firer must load powder charge, wadding, and shot Bow,
down the barrel, then tamp it down using a ramrod. Once Long & arrow +2D+2 10 100 250 M (3 G)1
the weapon is loaded, the firer ignites the powder with Short & arrow +1D+2 10 100 250 E (16 S)1
a device called a matchlock. This holds a burning match Crossbow,
— often a slow-burning piece of thin cord — at the upper Light & bolt 4D 10 100 200 E (16 S)1
end, and a lever or trigger at the lower end. By pulling the Heavy & bolt3 4D+1 10 100 300 M (4 G)1
lever or trigger, the firer swings the match smoothly on Handheld & dart 4D 10 25 50 M (3 G)1
to the touchhole, igniting the powder. Musket: damage Sling & stone +1D 5 10 15 E (3 S)1
3D+2; range 10/20/40; price D (10 G). Charge, wadding,
Thrown Weapons
and shot: VE (2 S) per bullet packet.
Boomerang, heavy +1D+1 5 40 100 M (3 G)
Wheellock Musket and Pistol: The wheellock
Dart +1 PHYS PHYS+1 PHYS+2 VE (7 C)
involves iron pyrites scraping against a wheel that turns
Rock, fist-sized +1 PHYS -2 PHYS -1 PHYS —
when the trigger is pulled, igniting a spark that sets
Javelin4 +2D 5 25 40 E (16 S)
off the primer. The musket is about 1.2 to 1.8 meters
Throwing dagger +1D 5 10 15 E (5 S)
in length, and 10 kilograms in weight, while the pistol
Throwing star +1D 5 10 15 VE (7 C)
is 15 centimeters and a little more than 3.5 kilograms
in weight.Wheellock pistols are commonly carried in a 1. Price is for firing part of weapon; arrows, bolts, or darts priced separately. 2.
brace of two, alongside the sword, and are of great use Blowguns commonly shoot poison darts; poison damage is in addition to damage
against armored foes. Like the matchlock musket, the listed. 3. Requires one full round to reload. 4. Longer than 60 centimeters, so may
wheellock musket requires a stand to aim correctly. The incur the unwieldy weapon modifier.
pistol and the musket each require 12 rounds to reload
 Chapter 15 • Page 118
untrained such simple ones as sticks with only the Agility attribute.
Edged or pointed weapons do half damage when used to bludgeon
Melee Weapons instead of cut.
Type Damage Price
Awl, small knife, stake +2 VE (8 C) Improvised Weapons
Arrow, crossbow bolt, dart +1 VE (7 C) When a character’s up against something ugly and angry, and
Axe, battle* +3D M (3 G) his favorite sword’s back at his hideout, he grabs whatever he can
Ball and chain* +2D E (16 S) to get the job done.
Bullwhip* +1D E (4 S) That means that gamemasters aren’t always going to find estab-
Club (nonspiked), large stick* +1D+1 E (4 S) lished game mechanics for what their players want to use as weapons.
Club (spiked)* +1D+2 E (16 S) When this happens, the best way to handle the situation is use the
Hatchet +1D+1 E (15 S) mechanics of something similar. Most items either serve as a dagger
Halberd* +3D M (4 G) (such as a broken bottle) or a club (such as a table leg). Then modify
Katana* +3D M (5 G) the damage based on how sharp or heavy the improvised weapon is
Knife (large kitchen), to the comparison weapon.
dagger, stiletto +1D VE (4–12 S) Improvised weapons always use either melee combat or throwing,
Mace* +1D+1 E (18 S) and they always receive an improvised weapon modifier to the combat
Morning star +3D M (4 G) difficulty of +5 or more. On a card-played setback or a rolled Critical
Nunchaku* +1D+2 E (17 S) Failure when wielding the item, most improvised weapons break, the
Quarterstaff† +1D+2 VE (12 C) user hurts himself, or both — the greater the roll fails, the worse
Rapier* +2D E (19 S) the situation is. (If the user ends up hurting himself, use only the
Sai +1D+1 E (10 S) weapon bonus — do not include the user’s Strength Damage — to
Sap, hammer (tool) +1D E (3 S) determine the amount of damage done.)
Spear (metal tip)* +2D M (3 G) Generally, characters may rely on improvised weapons only a few
Sword, broad/long* +2D+2 M (3 G) times before they break (regardless of whether a Critical Failure or a
Sword, short +1D+2 E (15 S) setback occurred while using it), though ones designed to take abuse
Sword, two-handed* +3D+1 M (4 G) — such a heavy length of metal or a blacksmith’s hammer — can
Tonfa +1D+2 E (18 S) survive the battle (including Critical Failures) and continue to func-
Trident* +2D+2 M (3 G) tion as tools or armament.
War hammer* +3D E (19 S)
*Starred weapons or sets of weapons are longer than 60 cen-
timeters and thus may incur an unwieldy weapon modifier.
Vehicles
This section introduces a few terms unique to means of
†
Allows user to attack at Point Blank or up to 2 meters away
conveyance:
at Short range; incurs unwieldy weapon modifier of +5.
Scale Value: For gamemasters using the scale option (see page
71), this number indicates how much larger the vehicle is than a
Whips Human, relative to a Human’s scale value of zero.
A whip is a long, plaited strip attached to a handle. When Move: This is approximately cruising speed, given in both meters
a character uses it to strike a target, determine the success per round and (if applicable) kilometers per hour.
with the melee combat skill. Passengers: The number of people, including the crew, that the
A whip can also be used to entangle an opponent up to two vehicle can carry. Unless otherwise specified, the number of crew
meters away. The character uses throwing to make this kind needed to properly operate the vehicle is one.
of attack. If it’s successful, the whip wraps about the target. Toughness: This is the vehicle’s base damage resistance die code.
If it’s unsuccessful, the target takes full damage. It can also serve as a reasonable measure of the amount of damage it
It can also be used to disarm opponents (as a throwing can inflict. Players may not modify a vehicle’s Toughness by spending
called shot) or to swing over pits or other openings. To swing Character or Fate Points on it.
with the whip, the character makes a Difficult throwing roll Maneuverability: An indication of how easy the vehicle is to
to catch the whip around a projection overhead that can handle. Stunts are easier to perform in vehicles with higher die
support her weight. (The gamemaster may include modifiers codes than in those with lower ones. The Maneuverability die code
depending on the conditions.) is added to the driver’s or pilot’s appropriate skill total when that
person is attempting to do something fancy. (Vehicle stunts are
further explained in the “Movement” chapter.)

Melee Weapons Ship Weapons

Most muscle-powered weapons are melee weapons. Swords, knives, Occasionally, characters might find it necessary to mount or have
brass knuckles, and clubs are all examples. All of these weapons require mounted weapons on their sailing vessels.
melee combat to use. Gamemasters may allow characters to employ
 Equipment • Page 119
Cannon: Made of heavy metal, cannons use gunpowder (or a
magical substance) to project large metal balls at a target. Each small
cannon requires a crew of two to load and fire, while a large cannon
needs a team of four. It requires one action each round to fire either
size, and they can only be fired every other round. The leader of the
cannon team aims and fires the weapon, with the marksmanship skill.
A Critical Failure could mean that powder was added incorrectly and
it doesn’t fire at all — or the gunpowder explodes in the cannon and
does damage to its users. Ships with a scale value of at least 15 may
add cannons. Cannons may not be turned, though their crews can
raise or lower them. Small cannon: damage 4D; range 50/200/800;
price difficulty of Very Difficult per cannon or 75 gold. Large cannon:
damage 5D; range 50/150/500; price difficulty of Heroic per cannon
or 125 gold.
Catapult: A small rope-and-wood structure mounted on the
fore or aft of the ship, out of the way of the sails, the catapult slings
a large object (usually a rock or metal ball) at its target. It requires
a round to reload. Because of its difficulty to aim correctly, add +5
to the user’s marksmanship difficulty. They may be mounted on any
vessel with a scale value of at least 12. Catapult: damage 3D+2; range
45/90/180; price difficulty of Very Difficult per catapult (up to two)
or 50 gold per catapult.
Ram: A long, stout wooden pole, the ram be mounted on any galley
or rowed ship with a scale value of at least 15. When the ship rams
another, the pilot must make a successful ramming roll using her pilotry.
With a successful attack, the defender receives double the normal dam-
age, while the attacker gets half. These values are determined before
rolling against Toughness. A ram adds +5 to the roll to regain control of Gamemasters might allow a smaller version of this weapon to be
the ship in the following round. Critical Failure on a low roll to regain mounted on large land vehicles.
control indicate the ram has broken off and further damages the ship.
A ram adds +1 to the ship’s price difficulty or five gold.

Vehicle Chart
Vehicle Type Scale Value Move1 Passengers2 Toughness Maneuverability Price3
Land Vehicles
Chariot, two-person carriage 3 animal’s Move x75% 2 4D -2 D (30 G)
Wagon (large, open) 5 animal’s Move x50% 8 4D+1 0 M (9 G)
Passenger carriage 6 animal’s Move x50% 5 4D+1 -1D VD (75 G)
Mine cart 3 animal’s Move x25% 2 5D+1 -3D M (7 G)
Water Vehicles
Canoe (paddles) 0 Physique or lifting roll 4 2D +1D E (17 S)
Galleon (sails) 14 7 (5 kph) 220 (120 crew) 7D+2 -2D L (95,000 G)
Galley, merchant (sails and oars) 15 10 (7 kph) 50 (43 crew) 5D+2 +2 L (110,000 G)
Galley, small (sails and oars) 14 12 (9 kph) 43 (40 crew) 4D+2 +1D+2 L (100,000 G)
Galley, war (sails and oars) 21 12 (9 kph) 540 (420) 7D+1 -2D L (200,000 G
Longship (sails and oars) 12 4 (3 kph) 120 (30 crew) 6D+2 0 L (38,000 G)
Rowboat (oars) 2 Physique or lifting roll 6 3D+2 0 E (19 S)
Sailboat, small (sails) 4 Wind + 25% of pilotry total 2 4D +2D VD (20 G)
1. First entry is meters per round, followed by kilometers per hour. For entries indicating a roll, roll the skill and use that as the number of
meters moved in that round. 2. Includes one crew member (unless otherwise specified). 3. Prices do not include the cost of hiring and feeding the
crew (about 2 silver per day per crew member; total the number of crew to get the per-day price difficulty).
 CHAPTER XVI

• Gamemaster Tips •
What’s in this Chapter
You’ve made it this far, so you probably don’t want even more
“rules.” We’ll keep this chapter short by offering a list of helpful ideas.
If you want more guidance, you can find more gamemaster resources
online at www.westendgames.com.

The Tips
The most important rule to remember is have fun. All the other
rules in this book are intended to help you worry less about being
fair and more about enjoying developing a fantastic story with your
friends. Here are some ideas to help you with this.
• Before beginning play, skim the rulebook at least once. Refer to
it during the slow parts; make up the difficulties you can’t remember
during the exciting scenes.
• You’re in charge of the rules, not your players. However, find that
balance between being too strict and too lenient. Players need to feel
both challenged and like they accomplish something. If the players
contend you made an error in judgment or presentation, rectify the
matter or make it up to them later.
• You are permitted to place restrictions on character creation if
you don’t think you can come up with obstacles challenging enough
for the players to run wild.
• Be descriptive. Keep in mind the old rule of “show, don’t tell.”
Make your characters and scenes as interesting as you can. Try to work
as many senses as possible into descriptions. Think about how novel- in a niche, some handy berry bushes, a reformed thug, or a talkative
ists do it, and follow their example. (All right, it is possible to overdo child, just in case the players need a hand.
it — you’ll figure that out when your players start nodding off.) • Don’t give your villains more firepower (or damage-dealing devices
• Players know only what you tell them, so don’t expect them to or abilities) than could kill a player’s character in a single blow.
use a clue later that you don’t give them a chance to find now. • Never let a player’s character die unless doing so is particularly
• Have the players come up with a situation that you know is not in dramatic or heroic. Your characters come and go, but players use only
the book? Flip to the generic difficulties descriptions (if you’ve nowhere one or two, so they invest a lot more into their development.
else to start) or the generic modifiers (if you already have a difficulty). • Give new players leeway, but show players who persistently
Then pick a number based on the descriptions therein and go with it. make bad choices for their characters that there are consequences
You can also use this technique to reward player ingenuity. to their actions.
• Hide the adventure’s text or notes, so your players don’t know • When there’s tension between the players, call for a break. It
whether you’re changing something. It also increases the level of might be as simple as getting a snack, or as challenging as reminding
suspense and excitement, because they don’t know what’s going to the players that they are not their characters and they’re supposed
happen next. to have fun together.
• Adjust the dice totals to make sure that neither side trounces • If you need to encourage players to get into their characters, give
the other too fast (although sometimes, that just can’t be helped, them immediate, but small, rewards for doing so, such as a bonus to
so you have to add a few more henchmen, swarms of rats, or a sud- a skill roll or a reduction in difficulty.
den gas trap). • Customize your scenarios to the skill levels, character options,
• Keep a few appropriate filler obstacles handy, like game charac- backgrounds, and goals of the players’ characters, as well as the kinds
teristics for henchmen, rolling boulders, booby traps, critter swarms, of things that the players like (particular types of rewards, jokes, vil-
zombies, or whatever, for those times when you need to slow the lains, and so on). The players will feel like they’re actually participating
players down. Also, have a list of suitable helpers, such as a lost key in creating the story, rather than being dragged along.
 CHAPTER XVII
• Adventure Tips •
What’s in this Chapter
The key means of play in a roleplaying game is the adventure. Thus,
here’s a chapter devoted to some tips on preparing and running adven-
tures, including obstacle ideas, rewards, and generic characters.
Genre Options
The system and information in D6 Fantasy suits two types of
fantasy subgenres: high and low. The primary difference between the
two lies in the amount of magic available, which in turn affects the
types of characters played and monsters encountered.
High Fantasy
Myths, legends, and magic are the keywords in a high fantasy
campaign. Magic is common, ranging from every village having its
own wizard or witch, to certain castes or groups limiting spell casting
to their members. Often, the characters are larger-than-life heroes
who are battling an even larger foe. Good and evil are living entities,
and quests are popular adventure hooks.
Low Fantasy
A low fantasy world is much more “gray” than high fantasy. Magic
is mysterious, and spells are difficult to cast (represented by a higher
base Spell Total). Monsters are dangerous and often few and far
between. Not everyone in the world is either good or evil, and the
players’ characters may be of mixed morality.
Creating Adventures
Like most games, roleplayers must overcome a series of obstacles
to reach a final goal. But in roleplaying games, that combination of
obstacles and goals, called an adventure, takes on the same structure
as a story. Both have an exposition, progressively more difficult chal-
lenges to overcome, a climax, and a resolution. You can use movies,
television shows, novels, or comic books to come up with ideas for
adventures, always remembering that the players get to decide how
their characters react to the given obstacle, instead of their actions
being dictated by the writer.
You, the gamemaster, choose the hurdles the characters must
deal with. You provide a goal and then present the characters with a
series of problems that prevents them from reaching that objective.
The hindrances can take a variety of forms, from monsters to evil
viziers to sand storms to secret societies, depending on the genre
and the particular circumstances of the adventure your characters
are working through.
Types of Adventures
The most direct way of creating an adventure is to select the goal
first. Once you know the end, you can more easily decide on what
types of obstacles make it interesting for the characters to reach
the goal.
Caught in a Tight Spot: Escape from a situation that could cause
some type of harm to the characters or their allies.
Contest: The characters must accomplish a predetermined goal
more quickly or more efficiently than everyone else involved in the
contest.
Guard Duty: Protect someone or something from harm.
Foil a Plan: Stop someone else from accomplishing their goal.
Generally, the plan to be foiled has something to do with the destruc-
tion of a person, place, or thing of importance to the characters or
to the entire world.
Mystery: The players’ characters must discover the truth about
a person, thing, or event.
The Quest: Locate and retrieve an object or person at the behest
of another. It could be a stolen object, the person kidnapped, or a
criminal who’s escaped justice.
 Chapter 17
Types of Obstacles
Once you’ve determined the type of adventure you want to cre-
ate, you must divide it up into smaller chunks called scenes, each
containing one or two obstacles. A scene is triggered by the players’
characters’ arrival at a given location or by the passage of time. Once
the characters overcome or bypass the obstacle, they move on to the
next scene and one step closer to the goal of the adventure. Here are
a few examples.
Adverse Conditions: Weather, terrain, monsters, and hostile or
uncooperative gamemaster’s characters can hamper the characters
in accomplishing the goal.
Gamemaster’s Characters: The people that the player’s characters
meet come in handy for all sorts of situations, so much so that there’s
a whole section on them in this chapter.
Combat: In order to continue forward or get
to something, the characters first must defeat a
creature or villain.
Diversions: Include extraneous details in
setting descriptions or when the players’ char-
acters talk to other people. The details are more
for show than to further the adventure, but they offer
some interesting roleplaying opportunities.
Information: The players’ characters often need to
obtain information, and you can make this more chal-
lenging by making it harder for them to find (two guards to
convince instead of one), missing (part of a needed tablet has
been destroyed), in the form of a puzzle or riddle, from a question-
able source, or giving the characters what seems like a right lead
but ends up being to the wrong place. However, make sure that the
information the characters seek really is attainable. Be careful not
to force the players’ characters to go through an enormous amount
of trouble based on clues and hints you’ve given them only to find
that their efforts were wasted.
Multiple Goals: Typically for experienced roleplayers, adding
the rumor of a new goal can force the characters to rearrange their
priorities.
Restrictions: The characters can’t use some of the regular equip-
ment or must be certain to perform certain rituals, or there will be
dire consequences.
Time Limits: There’s nothing like a time limit to speed up a
scene. This kind of obstacle can take the form of limited supplies,
deteriorating weaponry, or a set amount of time before something
horrible occurs.
Gamemaster’s Characters
During their adventures, players’ characters encounter various
allies, enemies, neutrals, and monsters who serve to shape the story,
establishing the setting or helping or hindering the characters at critical
moments. Without these characters, nothing much would happen.
However, you don’t have to create enough characters to fill the
entire universe. Save yourself work and carefully choose which game-
master’s characters play the most pivotal roles in your adventure
and design them in detail. Then select the less important characters
and determine most of their background and personality, and so on
until you come down to the nameless characters who need nothing
more than a brief mention.
• Page 122
Assigning Characteristics
Once you’ve come up with the overall concept for the character
or monster, you should decide on his game statistics. Skim through
the “Character Basics” and “Character Options” chapters for some
ideas, jotting down whatever details are important for the character’s
importance to the adventure and what’s needed to use him. There’s
no need to follow the character creation rules exactly; instead, give
each character or monster what you think he needs to play his part
in the story.
The average adult Human has 2D in all attributes, with 3D or
4D in one or two attributes in which you feel the character should
be comparable to the players’ characters. Depending on how much
experience you want an individual to have, give the average character
between 7 and 14 dice in skills.
Children generally have 1D in all attributes, with two or three
dice in skills, such as throwing (for tossing rocks, balls, food, etc.),
running, swimming, hide, bluff, and charm. Older or gifted children may
have more or a greater variety of skills. Children will have few, if any,
specializations. They often carry a favorite toy or nothing.
Elderly adults may have fewer dice in their Agility, Coordination,
and Physique. However, they have twice as many skill dice (between
14 and 20), to account for their greater experience.
Monsters and animals (those creatures that gamemasters wouldn’t
allow players to take as characters) may have a minimum of 1D in
any attribute (generally Intellect and Coordination), but they have
no attribute maximum. Use Disadvantages and Special Abilities as
inspiration for the game mechanics of various natural abilities for
the creature.
Remember that, although clever, most animals and some monsters
are not as intelligent as Humans are. They don’t actively use skills,
though they may have some to represent their unconscious use of
them, such as mettle to resist being told what to do. Animals and
monsters usually decide on the best course of action that will lead
to their own survival, unless they are trained otherwise.
Body Points for generic characters likewise depend on age and
toughness. For base Body Points, use these guidelines: 5 for kids
and elderly individuals, 10 for ordinary innocent bystanders and
most animals, 15 for minor villainous opponents, and 20 for major
secondary and leading gamemaster’s characters. Add to these values
any additional points as you deem appropriate.
Should you prefer the Wounds system, be sure
to drop one or more levels from the bottom of
the list. For example, most animals, kids, and
elderly would take one Wound level (Incapaci-
tated) before dying, while minor character and
large animals might take two (Stunned and
Incapacitated), and so on.
Character Points and Fate Points
Cannon-fodder villains, such as army troops, henchmen, and
merchants, typically have no Character Points or Fate Points. Minor
villains, whose survival isn’t dependent upon the adventure’s plot
may have one to three Character Points and (usually) no Fate Points.
Continuing villains, such as those who may be used for several adven-
tures or who are subordinate to the main villain, may have several
Character Points and no more than one or two Fate Points.
 Adventure Tips • Page 123
Major villains who might Description
be used over the course of a The key here is to engage the players’
campaign and are integral to senses, just like a good movie, novel, or
an adventure should have at television show. Try to use evocative
least 11 Character Points (some words to give the players a clear and
characters may have well over 50 vivid view of their characters’ environ-
Character Points) and many will ment. The best way to learn how to
have at least three Fate Points. provide such lifelike descriptions is

Starting the
to picture the scene in your mind
and do whatever you can to convey
Adventure that same scene to your players. You
may incorporate movie or television
Once you’ve got the goal and a footage you’ve taped, maps and
few obstacles, you’ll need to give the diagrams you copied out of library
players’ characters a reason to go books, or even illustrations you’ve
on the adventure. Often called the drawn yourself. Sound effects CDs
hook, here are a few examples. especially can help you set the stage
Character Goals: The group, for the characters.
even just one of the players’ char- Just remember that your play-
acters, gets information that could ers have five senses. Don’t just rely
help get then closer to a long-term on the sense of sight. Describe
goal. what your characters hear, smell, touch,
Informant: Someone and (sometimes) taste. The following
lets the players’ charac- example engages several senses.
ters know about the goal Gamemaster: “The thick, musty
and gives them just enough smell of swamp begins to permeate
information to get to the first the air. From all around you, you
obstacle. The information could can hear the screeching chirps
be provided as a letter, a town of birds and small animals.
crier’s announcement, a posted The humidity settles against
flier, or an anonymous source. your skin like a blanket
In Medias Res: Start the game of moisture as you con-
in the middle of an explosive or tinue trudging forward
suspenseful event. Such fast starts on the increasingly squishy
put the players immediately on ground. The gangly gray
their toes, thrusting their charac- trees scattered in small
ters into the middle of the game stands reach upward into
before they even know it. Once the mist, and you get the
they’ve dealt with their immediate distinct feeling that something
problem, they’re thoroughly enmeshed in the story. out there is watching you.”
Mission Briefing: The organization in which the
characters are involved calls a meeting and sets reveals the goal Believable Characters
(though, of course, not how to accomplish it!). Other than the setting, the players’ characters will also encounter
other people who live in the game world. Your job is to make sure
Running Adventures that these gamemaster’s characters appear real to the players. Their
You’ve successfully brought the players’ characters into the adven- words and actions must seem appropriate in the context of their
ture. Now you have to keep them focused and enthralled with the plot. histories, personalities, and ambitions. If a stoic military officer
If you see their eyes start to wander, or they fall into a conversation suddenly took off his helmet and started joking around, the players
about the last game (or worse, what the watched on television last would probably just stare at you for a minute as the game comes
night), you know something’s gone wrong. This section should help crashing to a halt.
you maintain an involving story and a sense of “really being there.” Play each character to the best of your ability. Make sure he does
everything in his power to achieve his goals, whether he’s trying to
Setting the Scene thwart the players’ characters or earn a load of gold coins. This does
Your first job is to vividly depict the scene unfolding before the not mean that each gamemaster’s character should act overtly. Part of
players’ characters. Where are they? Who else is there? What’s hap- his goal may be to achieve his objective undetected, or to make it look
pening? These are the questions you must answer immediately. like someone else was responsible. Rather, the idea is that the character
 Chapter 17
should use all of his resources — his skills, allies, finances, and so on
— to accomplish his immediate as well as his long-term goals.
Exciting Locales
Try to make each place the players’ characters visit seem different
than the others. By doing this, you can make these sights engaging
and memorable for the players.
Personal Stake
Every once in while you should ask to see the players’ character
sheets. Look for background information and personality traits that
might lend themselves to a personal stake. If a player has written that
her character is extremely competitive, for example, you could create a
rival group that seeks to outdo the players’ characters at every turn. The
players will do everything in their power to make sure their characters
succeed more often and more quickly than the newcomers.
• Page 124
rest of the adventure. In reality, however, he’s just a common thief
looking for an easy mark, or he thinks that one of the characters
looks familiar but doesn’t want to say anything until he’s sure he’s
not mistaking that character for someone else.
Allowing the Characters to Fail
It’s that chance of failure that gives excitement to a roleplaying
game, so sometimes characters need to fail. If they roll poorly, or
are simply outclassed, or most importantly, if they play poorly, their
characters will not accomplish their goal.
Yet, with each defeat, the characters (and players) should learn
something. They may learn a better way to approach a situation, or
they may stumble upon a tool or gadget that will help them in the
future. It should take perseverance and dedication, but learning from
mistakes will eventually lead to success.

Giving Options
Getting Feedback
Sometimes an adventure doesn’t thrill the players like you expected
Don’t constantly force your players to follow along the prescribed it to when you were first reading or creating it. As you run a scenario,
path of the adventure. They may have devised an alternate scheme try to pay attention to the players’ reactions to the various scenes.
for success not covered by the scenario, and you shouldn’t penalize Did they stand up and all try to talk at once during the puzzle-solving
them for their creativity. Instead you’ll have to use your judgment encounter? Did they go comatose when they reached the chase? Gauge
to run the remainder of the adventure. their reactions to your judgment calls and improvisation. The players’
If the players feel that they never have a choice, that you have words and actions can convey a great deal of information about what
predetermined what their characters will do and say — and there- they enjoyed most (and probably would like to see more of).
fore, how the adventure will turn out — they’re not going to have Ask the players what they did and didn’t like. You could even have
any interest in playing. Part of the fun of a roleplaying game is the them write you an anonymous note with a list of their favorite and
almost unlimited possible reactions to any given situation. Take least favorite scenes.
that away, and you’ve lost much of the reason for participating in Don’t take any negative responses as criticism. It takes a lot of
this type of game. work to plan and run a game, and you can’t always please everyone no
Sometimes the characters will have only a few choices — or at
least, a few obvious choices — and that’s fine if it makes logical sense
in the context of the scenario and doesn’t seem like an attempt by
you as the gamemaster to dictate their characters’ paths.
Reward creativity. Give the players a reason to exercise their brains.
The more freedom they believe they have, the more they’ll enjoy the
adventure. When their characters make a mistake, they have no one
else to blame it on, and when their characters succeed, they feel a
genuine sense of accomplishment.

The Subtle Art of Misdirection

If the players can correctly guess the conclusion of an adventure
while they’re progressing through the first encounter, the ensuing
encounters won’t provide as much excitement as they should.
This is where the subtle art of misdirection comes in. The object
here is to keep the players (and their characters) guessing and revis-
ing those guesses through the whole adventure. You can do this in
small ways: Make die rolls, smile for a moment, and then don’t say
anything about it; have the characters roll Acumen checks, ask for
their totals, and then just continue with the encounter; ask a player
for detailed information on how her character is going to close a
door (“Which hand are you using?” “Do you have a weapon in your
hand?”), but then have the portal close uneventfully.
You also have the option of throwing in major red herrings. If
a character starts tracking the players’ characters, the players will
immediately attempt to mesh this new person’s presence with the
 Adventure Tips
matter what you do. Just don’t forget to listen to what your players
have to say. They may want to take the game in a different direction
than you do. Compromise. Make sure you and your players have fun.
If not, either you or your players will eventually give up and find
something else to do during those precious spare moments. View
player reactions and comments as hints for what you can do in the
next adventure that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
Rewarding the Players
Part of the fun of roleplaying is watching characters improve and
develop. Gamemasters have plenty of options for helping that along,
though, of course, no single option should be overused or the players
will have no reason to continue adventuring.
Character Options
Look through the list of Advantages for some reward ideas.
Typically, when a gamemaster allows access to an Advantage, it’s
a one-shot deal, especially for particularly powerful Advantages,
such as being owed a favor by a king. If the characters want a more
permanent access to this kind of Advantage, they will have pay for
it (in Character Points).
Gamemasters might also give free Advantages to characters
— along with an equivalent amount of Disadvantages!
Equipment and Other Loot
Depending on the circumstances of the present adventure and
the gamemaster’s ideas for future adventures, gamemasters may
allow the players’ characters to keep equipment, gear, and treasure
that they find in abandoned temples or acquire from a villain’s lair.
Gamemasters may even want to plant various items in the adventure
for the players’ characters to locate, whether to fulfill a character’s
dream or help the group in a future scenario. Should the equipment
or other material cause the players’ characters to become too power-
ful, too quickly, remember that things can break, become the object
of desire by more powerful personages, or get stolen.
Funds
Characters might choose to sell some of their loot and put the
money into their investments or royal vaults. Depending on what
characters do with their money, gamemasters may allow a permanent
one-pip increase to each of their Funds attribute (because of putting
it into solid investments as determined by a trading roll), or give the
characters a larger bonus to a limited number of Funds rolls (because
they kept the cash in a vault at their hideout).
Information
While not terribly tangible, information could be useful for drawing
the characters into another adventure or helping to fulfill a character’s
goal (such as discovering details about her mysterious past).
Character and Fate Points
Assuming that the players have really been trying and have been
sufficiently challenged by the adventure, each character should receive
enough Character Points to improve one skill, plus a few extra for
help in overcoming a low roll at a future inconvenient time. Obvi-
• Page 125
ously, more experienced characters will either have to experience
more adventures, or they’ll need bigger challenges.
Here are a few guidelines for distributing Character and Fate
Points for an adventure that lasts two or more nights, several hours
per night. They are per character, not per group.
Obstacle was easy to overcome (the difficulty numbers were
about three times the die code in the skills required): No reward.
Obstacle was somewhat difficult to overcome (the diffi-
culty numbers were about three to four times the die code in the
skills required): 1 Character Point per low-difficulty obstacle in the
adventure.
Obstacle was quite challenging to overcome (the difficulty
numbers were about five times the die code in the skills required;
generally reserved for the climactic scene): 2 or more Character
Points per high-difficulty obstacle in the adventure (depending on
how many Character Points the characters had to spend to beat the
difficulties set).
Individual roleplaying (overcoming goals and playing in char-
acter): 2 to 3 Character Points (awarded to each character, not to
the whole group).
Group roleplaying (teamwork and interacting with each other
in character): 3 to 4 Character Points.
Everybody had fun (including the gamemaster): 1 to 2 Char-
acter Points.
Accomplished the goal: 1 Fate Point.
Generic Characters
People
Healer: Agility 2D, Coordination 2D, sleight of hand 2D+1, Phy-
sique 2D, stamina 2D+1, Intellect 3D, healing 4D, reading/writing
2D+1, scholar 2D+2, Acumen 2D, investigation 2D+1, Charisma
2D. Move: 10. Strength Damage: 1D. Fate Points: 0. Character Points:
2. Body Points: 10/Wound levels: 2. Equipment: large healer’s kit (+1
bonus to 6 to 12 healing attempts).
Henchman: Agility 2D, fighting 4D, melee combat 3D, stealth
3D, Coordination 2D, lockpicking 3D, marksmanship 4D, Physique
3D, running 3D+2, Intellect 2D, Acumen 2D, hide 3D, streetwise 3D,
tracking 3D, Charisma 2D. Move: 10. Physique Damage: 1D. Fate Points:
0. Character Points: 2. Body Points: 13/Wound levels: 2. Equipment:
dagger (damage +1D), lockpicking tools (+1D to lockpicking rolls),
soft leather armor (Armor Value +2).
Merchant: Agility 2D, riding 2D+1, Coordination 2D, sleight of
hand 2D+2, Physique 2D, running 2D+1, Intellect 2D, cultures 3D,
reading/writing 2D+2, scholar 3D, speaking 3D, trading 3D, Acumen
2D, streetwise 2D+1, Charisma 3D, bluff 3D+2, charm 4D, persuasion
3D. Move: 10. Strength Damage: 1D. Fate Points: 0. Character Points: 2.
Body Points: 11/Wound levels: 2. Equipment: coins of various realms;
trinkets or wares to sell; pouches; small knife (damage +2); heavy
garments (Armor Value +1).
Ranger: Agility 3D, dodge 3D+1, fighting 3D+1, melee combat
3D+1, stealth 3D+2, Coordination 2D, Physique 2D, running 3D+1,
lifting 3D+2, Intellect 2D, Acumen 2D, hide 2D+2, investigation
2D+1, search 2D+1, survival 2D+2, tracking 2D+2, Charisma 2D,
intimidation 2D+1, mettle 2D+1. Move: 10. Strength Damage: 2D.
 Chapter 17 • Page 126
Fate Points: 0. Character Points: 2. Body Points: 14/Wound levels: 2.
Equipment: short sword (damage +1D+2); knife (damage +1D); soft
leather armor (Armor Value +2); mottled green-grey cloak (+1 to hide
attempts among trees).
Ruffian: Agility 2D, fighting 3D, melee combat 3D, stealth 2D+1,
Coordination 2D, lockpicking 3D, Physique 3D, Intellect 2D, traps 3D,
Acumen 2D, gambling 2D+2, hide 2D+2, streetwise 3D, Charisma
1D, intimidation 3D. Move: 10. Strength Damage: 2D. Fate Points: 0.
Character Points: 2. Body Points: 12/Wound levels: 2. Equipment: dagger
(damage +1D); burlap bag.
Soldier: Agility 2D, dodge 3D, fighting 3D, melee combat 3D,
Coordination 2D, Physique 3D, lifting 3D+1, running 3D+1, Intel-
lect 2D, Acumen 2D, search 2D+1, streetwise 2D+1, survival 2D+1,
Charisma 2D, intimidation 2D+2, mettle 2D+1. Move: 10. Strength
Damage: 2D. Fate Points: 0. Character Points: 2. Body Points: 15/Wound
levels: 2. Equipment: short sword (damage +1D+2); knife (damage
+1D); padded leather armor (Armor Value +1D) with helmet.

Animals
Bird of Prey (Falcon, Hawk): Agility 4D, fighting 5D, flying 5D,
Coordination 1D, Physique 2D, Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, search 3D,
tracking 3D, Charisma 2D, mettle 3D. Move: 32 (flying)/15 (gliding).
Strength Damage: 1D. Body Points: 7/Wound levels: 1. Natural Abili-
ties: wings allow the bird to fly or glide for several hundred miles or
as long as there are thermals to keep them aloft; beak (damage +2);
talons (damage +1D); small size (scale modifier 9).
Cat, Domestic: Agility 3D, fighting 4D, climbing 4D, dodge 4D,
jumping 4D, stealth 4D, Coordination 1D, Physique 1D, running 3D,
Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, search 3D, tracking 3D, Charisma 2D, mettle
3D. Move: 20. Strength Damage: 1D. Body Points: 8/Wound levels: 1.
Natural Abilities: claws (damage +2), teeth (damage +2); small size
(scale modifier 6).
Cat, Large (Lion, Puma, Tiger): Agility 4D, climbing 5D, dodge
5D, fighting 5D, jumping 5D, stealth 5D, Coordination 2D, Physique
4D, running 5D, Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, search 3D, tracking 3D,
Charisma 2D, intimidation 5D, mettle 4D. Move: 30. Body Points: 24/
Wound levels: 3. Strength Damage: 2D. Natural Abilities: thick fur (armor
value +2), claws (damage +1D), teeth (damage +1D). Note: Large cats
can leap up to 10 meters horizontally or two meters vertically.
Cobra: Agility 4D, fighting 5D, stealth 5D, Coordination 2D,
marksmanship: spitting 4D, Physique 1D, Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D,
search 3D, tracking 3D, Charisma 2D, intimidation 4D, mettle 4D.
Body Points: 5/Wound levels: 1. Move: 15. Strength Damage: 1D. Natural
Abilities: fangs (damage +1D; venom injected when fighting success
beats difficulty by 5 or more); venom spitting (with a called shot to
the eyes or mouth, the cobra spits venom into this area); venom
(causes 5 points of damage or 1 Wound level every 10 minutes until
victim dies or is treated; Very Difficult stamina roll to resist); small
size (scale modifier 9).
Dog, Domestic: Agility 3D, dodge 4D, fighting 4D, Coordination
1D, Physique 3D, running 4D, Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, search 3D,
tracking 4D, Charisma 2D, intimidation 3D, mettle 2D+1. Move: 25.
Strength Damage: 2D. Body Points: 9/Wound levels: 1. Natural Abilities:
teeth (damage +1D); small size (scale modifier 5).
Dog, Guard: Agility 3D, dodge 6D, fighting 5D, Coordination
1D, Physique 4D, running 4D+1, Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, search
3D, tracking 4D, Charisma 2D, intimidation 5D, mettle 4D. Move:
25. Strength Damage: 2D. Body Points: 12/Wound levels: 2. Natural
Abilities: teeth (damage +1D); small size (scale modifier 4).
Horse: Agility 3D, fighting 4D, jumping 4D, Coordination 1D,
Physique 4D, running 5D, Intellect 1D, Acumen 3D, Charisma 2D,
intimidation 3D, mettle 3D. Move: 25. Strength Damage: 2D. Body
Points: 15/Wound levels: 2. Natural Abilities: hoof (damage +2); teeth
(damage +2); large size (scale modifier 3). Note: Horses can attack
the same target twice in one round with their hooves (two front or
two back) at no penalty, or they can bite once.
Rats: Agility 3D, acrobatics 3D+1, climbing 3D+2, dodge 3D+1,
fighting 3D+2, jumping 4D, Physique 1D, running 3D, swimming 1D+2,
Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, hide: self only 4D, search 3D, Charisma 1D,
willpower 2D. Move: 3. Strength Damage: 1D. Body Points: 6/Wound
levels: 1. Natural Abilities: teeth (Strength Damage only); swarm attack
(roll a single fighting total for entire group of rats, adding +5 to the
total for every 10 creatures involved; if using the optional damage
bonus, add the bonus for this roll to the Strength Damage of a single
rat); small size (scale modifier 9 for single rat).
Monsters
As there are so many different kinds of each monster in existence,
use this information when you need quick game characteristics.
Demon, Minor Destructive: Agility 3D, fighting 4D, stealth 4D,
Coordination 2D, throwing 4D, Physique 5D, lifting 5D+1, running
 Adventure Tips
6D, Intellect 2D, Acumen 2D, Charisma 2D, intimidation 6D, mettle
4D. Move: 10. Strength Damage: 2D. Body Points: 24/Wound levels: 3.
Disadvantages: Employed (R1), anyone who knows its true name can
command it completely; Devotion (R3), totally committed to wreaking
havoc. Special Abilities: Attack Resistance (R1), +1D to damage resis-
tance total against weapons not blessed or enchanted; Immortality
(R1), a holy symbol and proper ritual returns it to its realm.
Dragon, Young: Agility 3D, fighting 4D, flying 3D+1, Coordina-
tion 2D, marksmanship 3D, Physique 5D, lifting 5D+1, Intellect 3D,
Acumen 2D, Charisma 3D, intimidation 6D, mettle 3D+2. Move: 10.
Strength Damage: 3D. Body Points: 32/Wound levels: 5. Advantages: Size:
Large (R4), scale value 12. Disadvantages: Achilles’ Heel: Metabolic
Difference (R3), requires large quantities of fresh meat; Infamy (R3),
species feared and hunted because of destructive tendencies; Quirk
(R3), easily angered; Quirk (R3), greedy. Special Abilities: Natural
Armor: Scales (R2), +1D to damage resistance total; Natural Hand-
to-Hand Weapon: Claws (R3), damage +3D; Natural Ranged Weapon:
Fiery Breath (R2), damage 6D.
Evil Humanoid (Goblin, Kobold, Orc): Agility 3D, climbing
3D+2, fighting 4D, jumping 3D+1, stealth 4D, Coordination 3D,
• Page 127
marksmanship 4D, throwing 4D, Physique 3D, lifting 3D+1, running
4D, Intellect 1D, Acumen 2D, hide 2D+2, survival 3D, tracking 3D,
Charisma 1D, intimidation 2D. Move: 10. Strength Damage: 2D. Body
Points: 12/Wound levels: 2. Disadvantages: Devotion (R3), killing and
looting. Special Abilities: None.
Giant: Agility 3D, fighting 4D, melee combat 4D, Coordination
1D, throwing 4D, Physique 5D, lifting 6D, running 6D+2, Intellect
2D, Acumen 1D, tracking 2D, Charisma 1D, intimidation 6D. Move:
10. Strength Damage: 3D. Body Points: 26/Wound levels: 4. Advantages:
Size: Large (R2), scale value 6. Disadvantages: None. Special Abilities:
Hypermovement (R2) +4 to Move; Increased Attribute: Physique (R3),
+3 to all Physique totals. Equipment: Large club (damage +2D).
Walking Dead (Mummy, Skeleton, Zombie): Agility 2D, fight-
ing 3D, Coordination 1D, Physique 2D, lifting 3D, Intellect 1D, Acumen
1D, search 3D, tracking 3D, Charisma 1D, intimidation 6D. Move: 10.
Strength Damage: 2D. Body Points: 15/Wound levels: 2. Disadvantages:
Employed (R3), slave to the one who raised them. Special Abilities:
Hardiness (R2), +2 to damage resistance totals; Immortality (R1),
cease functioning when smashed to pieces or head is cut off.

Monster Worksheet
Species Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Physical Description: _______________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Habitat: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Other Information (social structure, defense of territory, predators, preferred prey, mating, etc.): _____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Game Characteristics (recommended 1D–2D in attributes for creatures less powerful than players’ characters, 2D–3D for as powerful, and
4D or more for more powerful; skills are generally 1D–4D above base attribute)
Agility: ____________ Skills: _________________________________________________________________________________
Coordination: _______ Skills: _________________________________________________________________________________
Physique: __________ Skills: _________________________________________________________________________________
Intellect: ___________ Skills: _________________________________________________________________________________
Acumen: ___________ Skills: _________________________________________________________________________________
Charisma: __________ Skills: _________________________________________________________________________________
Strength Damage: ___________ Move: ________________ Body Points: ______________ Wound levels: _____________
Natural Abilities (see Special Abilities on pages 32–41 for ideas): ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Weaknesses (see Disadvantages on pages 17–27 for ideas): ___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Templates • Page 128

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Bard ___________________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _______________ 2D Intellect ______________ 4D

climbing ________________ cultures _________________
dodge___________________ healing _________________
fighting _________________ navigation _______________
melee combat ____________ reading/writing ___________
riding ___________________ scholar__________________
stealth __________________ speaking ________________
________________________ trading _________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: None
________________________ ________________________
________________________ Disadvantages: Quirk (R1), your muse often
Coordination _________ 2D
________________________ overcomes you and inspires you to create a
lockpicking ______________ song or story on the spot
________________________ Acumen ______________ 4D
________________________ artist ___________________ Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Eidetic (R1), +1
________________________ disguise _________________ bonus to speaking, scholar, and investigation
________________________ gambling ________________ totals
________________________ hide ____________________ Equipment: Dagger (damage +1D); leather
________________________ investigation _____________ jerkin (Armor Value +2); paper; quill and ink;
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know-how _______________ scroll tube

Physique _____________ 2D
search __________________
running _________________ Description: Others get ideas for their tales
streetwise _______________
________________________ second or third hand. You prefer to see the
survival _________________
________________________ really exciting parts of history unfold for
________________________
________________________ yourself.
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
Extranormal ___________ 0
Charisma _____________ 4D
________________________
bluff____________________
________________________ Strength Damage _________________1D
charm __________________
________________________
intimidation _____________ Move ____________________________ 10
________________________
mettle __________________
________________________ Body Points ______________________24
persuasion_______________ Wound Level Body Points Range
________________________ Stunned 14–19
________________________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 9–13
________________________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 4–8
________________________ Incapacitated 2–3
________________________ Funds ________________ 5D Mortally Wounded 1
________________________ Silver _______________ 300 Dead 0

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Cleric __________________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________
Agility ______________ 2D+1
acrobatics _______________
fighting _________________
melee combat ____________
riding ___________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
Coordination _________ 2D
charioteering ____________
throwing ________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
Physique _____________ 2D
lifting __________________
running _________________
stamina _________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
Charisma _____________ 3D
animal handling __________
bluff____________________
charm __________________
command _______________
intimidation _____________
mettle __________________
persuasion_______________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
Templates • Page 129
Intellect ____________ 3D+2
cultures _________________
healing _________________
navigation _______________
reading/writing ___________
scholar__________________
speaking ________________
trading _________________
________________________
________________________
________________________ Advantages: Equipment (R1), armor and
________________________ weapon
________________________
Disadvantages: Devotion (R2), to your
Acumen _____________ 3D religion; Employed (R1), must follow sect’s
artist ___________________ regulations
crafting _________________
disguise _________________ Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Miracles (R2). +2
investigation _____________ to strife, divination, and favor skill totals
know-how _______________ Equipment: Mace (damage +1D+1); hard
search __________________ leather armor (Armor Value +1D+1); religious
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survival _________________ symbol; leather pouch; ceremonial cloth
________________________
Description: Being the youngest of a very
________________________
large family, your family sent you away to a
________________________
join a religious sect, one that promoted char-
________________________
ity and knowledge.Your sect has now sent you
________________________
out to practice what you have been taught
Miracles _____________ 2D and help others. Although you will defend
divination _______________ yourself,you consider indiscriminate violence
favor ___________________ as stooping to the level of lesser beings.
strife ___________________ Strength Damage _________________1 D
________________________
________________________ Move ____________________________ 10
________________________ Body Points ______________________ 23
Wound Level Body Points Range
Stunned 14–19
Fate Points _____________ 1
Wounded 9–13
Character Points________5 Severely Wounded 4–8
Incapacitated 2–3
Funds _______________ 3D
Mortally Wounded 1
Silver _______________ 180 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 130

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Gladiator _______________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _______________ 4D Intellect ______________ 2D

acrobatics _______________ healing _________________
climbing ________________ ________________________
dodge___________________ ________________________
fighting _________________ ________________________
jumping ________________ ________________________
melee combat ____________ ________________________
riding ___________________ ________________________
stealth __________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: Trademark Specialization
________________________ ________________________ (R1), gain +2D when using one weapon (your
________________________
Acumen ______________ 3D choice) plus you may be recognized by those
________________________
crafting _________________ watching
Coordination _________ 3D gambling ________________ Disadvantages: Devotion (R1), you are de-
charioteering ____________ know-how _______________ voted to fighting
marksmanship ___________ streetwise _______________
throwing ________________ survival _________________ Special Abilities: None
________________________ ________________________ Equipment: Short sword (damage +1D+2);
________________________ ________________________ hard leather armor (Armor Value +1D+1); small
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________________________ ________________________ shield (Armor Value +2D)

________________________ ________________________
Description: You have so focused yourself
________________________
Physique _____________ 4D on battle that you find it hard to resist a
________________________
lifting __________________ fight when you have the opportunity. From
________________________
running _________________ your time in the arena circuit, you’ve become
________________________
stamina _________________ famous for the use of a particular weapon.
swimming _______________ Extranormal __________ 0D
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Strength Damage ________________ 2D
________________________
Charisma _____________ 2D Move ____________________________ 10
________________________
command _______________ Body Points _____________________ 38
________________________
intimidation _____________ Wound Level Body Points Range
mettle __________________ Stunned 22–30
persuasion_______________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 15–21
________________________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 7–14
________________________ Incapacitated 3–6
Funds ________________ 3D
________________________ Mortally Wounded 1–2
________________________ Silver ________________180 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 131

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Healer _________________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _____________ 2D+2 Intellect ______________ 4D

climbing ________________ cultures _________________
dodge___________________ healing _________________
melee combat ____________ reading/writing ___________
riding ___________________ scholar__________________
________________________ speaking ________________
________________________ trading _________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: None
________________________
Coordination _________ 2D
________________________ Disadvantages: Quirk: Stutter (R1), whenever
sleight of hand ___________ you fail a skill check,you become flustered and
throwing ________________ Acumen ____________ 3D+2 stutter, getting a +3 to all interaction difficul-
________________________ artist ___________________ ties, until you get a Critical Success on a roll.
________________________ hide ____________________
________________________ investigation _____________ Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Naturally Sooth-
________________________ know-how _______________ ing (R1), +1 bonus to animal handling, charm, and
________________________ search __________________ healing totals
________________________ survival _________________ Equipment: Knife (damage +1D), 3 candles,

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________________________ tinderbox, pouch of herbs (+1 bonus to healing
Physique ____________ 2D+1
________________________ totals; six uses)
lifting __________________
________________________
running _________________ Description: You’ve always had a predilec-
________________________
stamina _________________ tion toward caring for others. Except when
________________________
swimming _______________ you get nervous and stutter, people like to
________________________
________________________ be around you.
________________________ Extranormal __________ 0D
________________________ ________________________
________________________
Charisma ____________ 3D+1
________________________ Strength Damage _________________1 D
animal handling __________
________________________
charm __________________ Move ____________________________ 10
________________________
command _______________
________________________ Body Points _____________________ 26
mettle __________________ Wound Level Body Points Range
persuasion_______________ Stunned 15–20
________________________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 10–14
________________________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 5–9
________________________ Incapacitated 2–8
________________________ Funds ________________ 4D Mortally Wounded 1
________________________ Silver _______________ 240 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 132

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Merchant ______________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _____________ 2D+2 Intellect ______________ 4D

dodge___________________ cultures _________________
fighting _________________ healing _________________
melee combat ____________ navigation _______________
riding ___________________ reading/writing ___________
________________________ scholar__________________
________________________ speaking ________________
________________________ trading _________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: Wealth (R1), +2 to Funds totals/10
________________________ silver coins
Coordination _________ 2D
________________________
charioteering ____________ Disadvantages: Quirk (R1), always looking
Acumen ______________ 3D
lockpicking ______________ for a way to make a profit — always
artist ___________________
sleight of hand ___________
crafting _________________ Special Abilities: None
________________________
disguise _________________
________________________ Equipment: Staff (damage +1D+2); fine gar-
gambling ________________
________________________ ments with a heavy brocade vest (Armor
hide ____________________
________________________ Value +1); leather bag filled with a handful of
investigation _____________
________________________ small gold and silver coins and small jewels
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know-how _______________
________________________
search __________________ Description: You’ve made your fortune sev-
________________________
streetwise _______________ eral times over (and lost some of it on other
Physique ____________ 2D+1 ________________________ schemes). You’re looking for a new town that
lifting __________________ ________________________ could use your services.
running _________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________
Extranormal __________ 0D
________________________
________________________
Charisma _____________ 4D ________________________
animal handling __________ ________________________ Strength Damage _________________1D
bluff____________________ ________________________ Move ____________________________ 10
charm __________________ ________________________ Body Points _____________________ 28
command _______________ Wound Level Body Points Range
intimidation _____________ Stunned 16–22
mettle __________________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 11–15
persuasion_______________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 5–10
________________________ Incapacitated 2–4
Funds ________________ 5D
________________________ Mortally Wounded 1
________________________ Silver _______________ 300 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 133

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Monster Slayer __________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _____________ 3D+2 Intellect ______________ 2D

acrobatics _______________ healing _________________
climbing ________________ traps ___________________
dodge___________________ ________________________
fighting _________________ ________________________
jumping ________________ ________________________
melee combat ____________ ________________________
stealth __________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: None
________________________
Acumen _____________ 3D+1 Disadvantages: Age (R1), you are slightly
________________________
gambling ________________ younger than typical, so people don’t always
Coordination ________ 3D+1 crafting _________________ take you seriously; Devotion (R1), devoted to
marksmanship ___________ hide ____________________ protecting ordinary people from extraordi-
throwing ________________ investigation _____________ nary fiends
________________________ search __________________
Special Abilities: Attack Resistance: Nonen-
________________________ streetwise _______________
chanted Weapons (R1), +1D to your damage
________________________ survival _________________
resistance total against such weapons
________________________ tracking _________________

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________________________ ________________________ Equipment: Battle axe (damage +3D); leather
________________________ pants (Armor Value +2 to legs only)
Physique ___________ 3D+2
________________________ Description: After a band of monsters killed
lifting __________________
________________________ those you loved, you’ve been wandering the
running _________________
________________________ world, seeking to rid it of such diabolical
stamina _________________
________________________ creatures. A priest blessed your cause, giving
swimming _______________
________________________ Extranormal __________ 0D you a resistance to certain kinds of physical
________________________ ________________________ harm.
________________________ ________________________
________________________ Strength Damage ________________ 2 D
Charisma _____________ 2D
________________________
animal handling __________ Move ____________________________ 10
________________________
command _______________ Body Points ______________________35
________________________
intimidation _____________ Wound Level Body Points Range
mettle __________________ Stunned 21–28
persuasion_______________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 14–20
________________________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 7–13
________________________ Incapacitated 3–6
________________________ Funds ________________ 3D Mortally Wounded 1–2
________________________ Silver ________________180 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 134

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Ranger _________________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility ______________ 3D+1 Intellect ____________ 2D+2

climbing ________________ healing _________________
dodge___________________ navigation _______________
fighting _________________ scholar__________________
jumping ________________ speaking ________________
melee combat ____________ traps ___________________
riding ___________________ ________________________
stealth __________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: Contacts (R1), you’ve helped a
________________________
Acumen ____________ 2D+2 lot of people, many of whom would be willing
________________________
crafting _________________ return the favor
Coordination ________ 3D+1 hide ____________________ Disadvantages: Devotion (R2), fiercely de-
marksmanship ___________ investigation _____________ voted to protecting wilderness areas and
throwing ________________ know-how _______________ their inhabitants
________________________ search __________________
________________________ survival _________________ Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Keen Eye (R1), +1
________________________ tracking _________________ bonus to marksmanship, search, and tracking
________________________ ________________________ Equipment: Cloak; long bow and quiver of
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________________________ ________________________ arrows (damage +2D+2); leather jerkin (Armor

________________________ Value +2);
Physique _____________ 3D
________________________
lifting __________________ Description: You grew up in forests, and
________________________
running _________________ you’ve traveled through a lot of wilderness.
________________________
stamina _________________ You firstly seek to protect the land, plants, and
swimming _______________ Extranormal __________ 0D animals, and secondly, any travelers.
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ Strength Damage ________________ 2D
Charisma _____________ 3D
________________________ Move ____________________________ 10
animal handling __________
________________________
charm __________________ Body Points ______________________33
command _______________ Wound Level Body Points Range
intimidation _____________ Stunned 19–26
mettle __________________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 13–18
persuasion_______________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 6–13
________________________ Incapacitated 3–5
Funds ________________ 3D
________________________ Mortally Wounded 1–2
________________________ Silver ________________180 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 135

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Thief __________________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _______________ 3D Intellect _____________ 2D+1

acrobatics _______________ cultures _________________
climbing ________________ reading/writing ___________
contortion _______________ trading _________________
dodge___________________ traps ___________________
fighting _________________ ________________________
jumping ________________ ________________________
melee combat ____________ ________________________
stealth __________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: None
________________________ ________________________
________________________ Disadvantages: Enemy (R1), someone caught
Acumen ____________ 2D+2 you while you were stealing — though you
________________________
artist ___________________ managed to escape, you now have someone
Coordination _________ 4D crafting _________________ after you
lockpicking ______________ disguise _________________
sleight of hand ___________ gambling ________________ Special Abilities: Skill Bonus: Nimble Fingers
throwing ________________ hide ____________________ (R1), +1 bonus to lockpicking, sleight of hand, and
________________________ investigation _____________ gambling totals
________________________ search __________________ Equipment: Dagger (damage +1D), cloak, rope,

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________________________ streetwise _______________ sack, a few tools to spring traps
________________________ survival _________________
Description: Some people farm or fight
________________________
Physique _____________ 3D professionally to earn a living. You prefer
________________________
lifting __________________ to test your wits against the awareness
________________________
running _________________ of a household. If you win, you get to keep
________________________
________________________ something.
________________________
________________________
________________________ Extranormal __________ 0D
________________________ ________________________
________________________ Strength Damage ________________ 2D
Charisma _____________ 3D
________________________
bluff____________________ Move ____________________________ 10
________________________
charm __________________
________________________ Body Points _____________________ 30
mettle __________________ Wound Level Body Points Range
persuasion_______________ Stunned 18–24
________________________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 12–17
________________________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 6–11
________________________ Incapacitated 3–5
________________________ Funds ________________ 3D Mortally Wounded 1–2
________________________ Silver ________________180 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 136

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Wanderer ______________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _______________ 3D Intellect ______________ 3D

acrobatics _______________ cultures _________________
climbing ________________ devices __________________
contortion _______________ healing _________________
dodge___________________ reading/writing ___________
fighting _________________ navigation _______________
jumping ________________ scholar__________________
melee combat ____________ speaking ________________
riding ___________________ trading _________________
stealth __________________ traps ___________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: Cultures (R1), you have a knack
________________________ ________________________ for drawing parallels between known and
________________________ unusual cultures
Coordination _________ 3D
charioteering ____________ Acumen ______________ 3D Disadvantages: Hindrance: Trick Shoulder
lockpicking ______________ crafting _________________ (R1), +1 to climbing, melee combat, and throwing
marksmanship ___________ artist ___________________ difficulties
pilotry __________________ disguise _________________
sleight of hand ___________ gambling ________________ Special Abilities: None
throwing ________________ hide ____________________ Equipment: Studded staff (damage +2D);
________________________ investigation _____________ cloak; sack; water skin
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________________________ know-how _______________

Description: You seek to learn about new
search __________________
Physique _____________ 3D cultures. When you’ve had your fill of one,
streetwise _______________
lifting __________________ you move on.
survival _________________
running _________________
tracking _________________
stamina _________________
________________________
swimming _______________
________________________
________________________
Extranormal __________ 0D
Charisma _____________ 3D
________________________
animal handling __________
________________________ Strength Damage ________________ 2 D
bluff____________________
________________________
charm __________________ Move ____________________________ 10
________________________
command _______________
________________________ Body Points _____________________ 34
intimidation _____________ Wound Level Body Points Range
mettle __________________ Stunned 20–27
persuasion_______________ Fate Points _____________ 1 Wounded 13–19
________________________ Character Points________ 5 Severely Wounded 6–12
________________________ Incapacitated 3–5
Funds ________________ 3D
________________________ Mortally Wounded 1–2
________________________ Silver _______________ 180 Dead 0
 Templates • Page 137

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: Wizard _________________________________
Race: Human ____________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility ______________ 2D+1 Intellect _____________3D+1

acrobatics _______________ cultures _________________
fighting _________________ devices __________________
riding ___________________ healing _________________
stealth __________________ navigation _______________
________________________ reading/writing ___________
________________________ scholar__________________
________________________ speaking ________________
________________________ trading _________________
________________________ traps ___________________
________________________ ________________________ Advantages: None
________________________
Coordination _________ 2D
________________________ Disadvantages: Prejudice (R2), the wizard
charioteering ____________ cult you belonged to has a bad reputation
marksmanship ___________ Acumen _____________3D+1 and you find many people shun you
sleight of hand ___________ artist ___________________
throwing ________________ crafting _________________ Special Abilities: Good Luck (R1)
________________________ disguise _________________ Equipment: Small knife (damage +2); soft
________________________ gambling ________________ leather jerkin and pants (Armor Value +2);
________________________ hide ____________________ paper; quill and ink; a few small spell compo-
investigation _____________ nents; a few spells on scrolls
Physique _____________ 2D

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know-how _______________
lifting __________________
search __________________ Description: Though the art of spell design
running _________________
streetwise _______________ fascinates you, the idea of staying locked in a
________________________
survival _________________ stuffy library doesn’t. You’ve taken to adven-
________________________
________________________ turing to find inspiration for new spells, lost
________________________
________________________ sources of mystical energy, and forgotten
________________________
________________________ ancient artifacts.
Charisma ___________ 2D+2
Magic _______________2D+1
animal handling __________
alteration _______________
bluff____________________
apportation______________
charm __________________ Strength Damage _________________1 D
conjuration ______________
command _______________
divination _______________ Move ____________________________ 10
intimidation _____________
________________________ Body Points ______________________ 22
mettle __________________
Wound Level Body Points Range
persuasion_______________
Stunned 14–19
________________________ Fate Points _____________ 1
Wounded 9–13
________________________ Character Points________ 5
Severely Wounded 4–8
________________________
Incapacitated 2–3
________________________ Funds ________________ 3D
Mortally Wounded 1
________________________ Silver _______________ 180
Dead 0
 Templates • Page 138

Fantasy
Character Name: ___________________________________
Occupation: ______________________________________
Race: ___________________________ Gender: __________
Age: __________Height: ___________ Weight: __________
Physical Description: _______________________________
__________________________________________________

Agility _________________ Intellect ________________

acrobatics _______________
climbing ________________
contortion _______________
dodge___________________
fighting _________________
flying ___________________
jumping ________________
melee combat ____________
riding ___________________
stealth __________________
________________________
________________________
Coordination ___________
charioteering ____________
lockpicking ______________
marksmanship ___________
pilotry __________________
sleight of hand ___________
throwing ________________
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cultures _________________
devices __________________
healing _________________
navigation _______________
reading/writing ___________
scholar__________________
speaking ________________
trading _________________
traps ___________________
________________________ Advantages: ________________________
________________________ ___________________________________
________________________ ___________________________________
Acumen ________________ ___________________________________
artist ___________________ ___________________________________
crafting _________________ ___________________________________
disguise _________________ Disadvantages: _____________________
gambling ________________ ___________________________________
hide ____________________ ___________________________________
investigation _____________ ___________________________________

________________________ know-how _______________ ___________________________________

________________________
Physique _______________
lifting __________________
running _________________
stamina _________________
swimming _______________
________________________
________________________
Charisma _______________
animal handling __________
bluff____________________
charm __________________
command _______________
intimidation _____________
mettle __________________
persuasion_______________
________________________
________________________
search __________________
streetwise _______________
survival _________________
tracking _________________
________________________
________________________
Extranormal ____________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
Fate Points ______________
Character Points_________
Funds __________________
Silver __________________
___________________________________
Special Abilities: ____________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Strength Damage ___________________
Move ______________________________
Body Points ________________________
Wound Level Body Points Range
Stunned __________
Wounded __________
Severely Wounded __________
Incapacitated __________
Mortally Wounded __________
Dead 0
 Templates
Fantasy
Character Name: _______________________________________
Armor
Type AV Notes
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Weapons
Type Dmg. Range: S/M/L
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Ammo:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Ammo:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Ammo:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Ammo:
Other Equipment
Type Notes
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
• Page 139
Magic Spells/Miracles
Name Difficulty Notes
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Personality: ______________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
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Objectives: ________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Native Language: __________________________
Other Information: ________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
 • D6 Reference Sheet •

Generic Standard Difficulties Information Difficulties

See Chapter 5 for general task resolution information and other modifiers. See page 72 for additional information and modifiers.
Automatic (0): Almost anyone can perform this action; there is Amount of Information Difficulty
no need to roll. (Generally, this difficulty is not listed in a pregenerated Basic or common information; unconfirmed rumors 5
adventure; it is included here for reference purposes.) Theories; generalities 10
Complex concepts; moderately detailed information 15
Very Easy (1–5): Nearly everyone can accomplish this task. Professional level; extensive (though not complete)
Typically, tasks with such a low difficulty only are rolled when they information 20
are crucial to the scenario. Cutting-edge topics; extensive information,
Easy (6–10): Although characters usually have no difficulty with including peripheral details and extrapolations 30
this task, an untrained character may find it challenging. Condition Modifier
Moderate (11–15): There is a fair chance that the average character Age of information (per century in the past) +5
will fail at this type of task. Tasks of this type require skill, effort, and Closely guarded secret +15
concentration.
Difficult (16–20): Those with little experience in the task must Observation Difficulties
have a lot of luck to accomplish this type of action. See page 73 for additional information and modifiers.
Very Difficult (21–25): The average character only rarely succeeds Situation Difficulty
at these kinds of task. Only the most talented regularly succeed. Noticing obvious, generic facts; casual glance 5
Heroic (26–30), Legendary (31 or more): These kinds of tasks are Noticing obvious details
nearly impossible, though there’s still a slim chance that lucky average (ex. number of people) 10
or highly experienced characters can accomplish them. Noticing a few less obvious details
(ex. gist of conversation) 15
Generic Difficulty Modifiers Spotting a few specific details
(ex. identities of individuals) 20
See page 53 for examples.
Spotting a few obscure details
Situation Helps/
(ex. specifics of conversation) 25
Hinders Character ... Modifier
Noticing many obscure details 30 or more
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Slightly +/-1–5
Significantly +/-6–10
Decisively +/-11–15
Movement Difficulty Modifiers
Overwhelmingly +/-16 or more See pages 55–56 for additional information and modifiers.
Base Difficulty for Characters: 0 (running); 5 (other movement)
Interaction Difficulty Modifiers Situation Modifier
Easy terrain (flat surface, smooth water,
See pages 72–73 for additional information and modifiers.
using a ladder, light breeze, light rain or fog) 0
Base Difficulty: 10 or target’s Charisma or mettle
Moderate terrain (uneven surface, small obstacles,
Situation Modifier
choppy water, climbing a tree, strong winds,
Target is friendly or trusting -5
heavy rain or fog) +5
Target is neutral toward character
Rough terrain (large but negotiable obstacles, strong
or of equal standing 0
undercurrent, climbing a rough wall, flying near
Target is hostile or has superior standing +5
unyielding obstacles such as pillars or trees) +10
Target is an enemy +10
Very rough terrain (dense and large obstacles,
Target is in weakened position -10
stormy weather, a few airborne hazards, hail) +15
Request is something target would do anyway
Hazardous terrain (minefield, narrow walkway,
or target feels is of minor importance 0
many airborne hazards, large waves, climbing a
Request is illegal or highly dangerous +10
smooth surface, complete darkness) +20
Target is on guard or actively resisting* +10
Very hazardous terrain (corridor filled with falling
*Do not include this modifier if you are using the active mental debris and explosions, swimming or flying in +25 or
defense described in the “Mental Defenses” section. a hurricane) more
 D6 Reference Sheet • Page 141
Combat Summary The gamemaster may decide that such factors as experience, strength,
and features of the weapon (such as a well-balanced sword) lower this
See pages 60–62 and 68–71 for additional information and modifiers. modifier.
Determining the Difficulty
Base combat difficulty = defense total Strength Damage
• Defense total = (passive defense value or active defense value)
To figure the Strength Damage die code, drop the pips from the
plus combat difficulty modifiers
character’s Physique or lifting die code (but include any Disadvantages
• Passive defense value = 10
or Special Abilities), divide the number by 2, and round up.
• Active defense value = full defense value or partial defense
value
• Full defense value = any defense skill roll + 10 Wound Levels
• Partial defense value = any defense skill roll See pages 63–65 for additional damage information and modifiers.
Determining Success Wounds* Body Points†
If the attacker’s combat skill total plus any modifiers equals or exceeds Damage Total ≥
the target’s defense roll, the attack succeeds and may do damage. Effect Resistance Total By: Body Points Left
Determining Damage Stunned 1–3 80% - 60%
• Damage total Wounded 4–8 59% - 40%
• For attacks that do damage not modified by strength: damage Severely Wounded 4–8** 39% - 20%
total = roll of weapon damage die code plus damage modifiers Incapacitated 9–12 19% - 10%
• For attacks that do damage modified by strength: damage total Mortally Wounded 13–15 1% - 9%
= roll of weapon damage die code plus character’s Strength Damage Dead 16 or more 0
die code plus damage modifiers *Note: Penalties imposed by each level are not cumulative and they are
• Damage resistance total not included when determining the resistance total or damage done by non-
• Body Points: roll of Armor die code plus defense modifiers strength-based weapons. Any additional damage less than or equal to the
• Wounds: roll of Physique plus Armor die code plus defense character’s current level moves the character up by one level.
modifiers **A character moves to the Severely Wounded level if the difference is
• If the damage total is greater than the damage resistance total, between 4 and 8 and she already has the Wounded level.
the target was injured. If the damage total is less than or equal to the †Note: This is an optional chart for use with Body Points. The “Body Points
damage resistance total, the target was not injured. Left” column is based on the character’s maximum Body Points. Round so
• If the target was injured, subtract the damage resistance total from no overlap exists between levels. Penalties imposed by each level are not
the damage total. Then either subtract this from the target’s current cumulative; do not include them when determining the stun or damage
Body Total or compare the value on the “Wound Level” chart. resistance total or any total not involving a skill or attribute.
Stunned: Either receives -1D for all remaining actions this round
Common Combat Difficulty Modifiers and next round or may only defend or retreat in the next round.
Cover Situation Modifier Wounded: -1D to all actions until healed.
Light smoke/fog +1D (+3) Severely Wounded: -2D on all actions until healed.

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Thick smoke/fog +2D (+6) Incapacitated: As a free action before losing consciousness, he
Very thick smoke/fog +4D (+12) may try to stay up with a Moderate (15) stamina roll. If the character
Poor light, twilight +1D (+3) succeeds, he may continue to act, but all actions have a -3D penalty. If
Moonlit night +2D (+6) he fails, he is knocked out for 10D minutes.
Complete darkness +4D (+12) Mortally Wounded: The character is near death and knocked
Object hides 25% of target +1D (+3) unconscious with no chance to keep up. Roll the character’s Physique
Object hides 50% of target +2D (+6) each round, the character finally dying if the roll is less than the number
Object hides 75% of target +4D (+12) of minutes a character’s been Mortally Wounded.
Object hides 100% of target * Dead: The character has perished.
* If cover provides protection, the attacker cannot hit the target directly,
but damage done to the cover might exceed the Armor Value it gives the target, Abbreviated Healing Chart
and, indirectly, the target receives damage. Most of the time, the attacker
See pages 66–67 for additional healing information and modifiers.
must eliminate the cover before having a chance to hit the target.
Healing Body Points Current
Range Distance to Target Modifier Total Recovered Wound Level
Point Blank 0–3 meters -5 1–5 2 —
Short 3 meters to first value* 0 6–10 1D Stunned, unconscious
Medium First to second value* +5 11–15 2D Wounded, Severely Wounded
Long Second to third value* +10 16–20 3D Incapacitated
* Values refer to values given in the weapon’s range listing. 21–25 4D Mortally Wounded
Weapon is difficult to use (character unfamiliar with technol- 26–30 5D —
ogy, object is hard to throw or grasp, melee or thrown weapon is more
than 60 centimeters long, etc.): +5 or more to the combat difficulty.
 • Die Code Simplification •

As characters progress, often the number of dice players have to
roll and add becomes daunting. With this in mind, this chart provides
two ways of reducing the amount of dice needed.
The fast way is to roll five dice, including the Wild Die, add the
results, and then add the die code’s pips and a bonus number. To
determine the bonus number, find the die code (ignoring the pips)
of the original attribute, skill, weapon, or other value in the “Die
Code” column. Then read across to the “5D” column to get the bonus
number.
Example: A character has a Natural Ranged Weapon that does
30D of damage. Instead of rolling 30 dice, the player rolls five and
adds 88 to the total on the dice.
The faster way is to roll only the Wild Die, adding to its result the
corresponding bonus listed in the “Wild Die” column of the chart.
Example: A character has a skill with a value of 10D. The game-
master rolls the Wild Die and adds 32 to the result.
When using only the Wild Die, a Critical Failure only indicates a
complication or funny thing happening; it does not affect the total
rolled.
Because Character Points function similar to a Wild Die, roll any
dice gained from Character Point expenditure separately. When
using Fate Points on a roll, double the original die code and use that
to determine the bonus number.
For bonus numbers beyond the 50D level for the “5D” column, sub-
tract 5 from the die code and multiply the number by 3.5. Round up.
To get bonus numbers beyond the 50D level for the “Wild Die”
column, subtract 1 from the die code and multiply the number by
3.5. Round up.

Die Code Simplification Die Code Simplification

Die Code 5D Wild Die Die Code 5D Wild Die
1D 0 0 26D +74 +88
2D 0 +4 27D +77 +91
3D 0 +7 28D +81 +95
4D 0 +11 29D +84 +98
5D 0 +14 30D +88 +102
6D +4 +18 31D +91 +105
7D +7 +21 32D +95 +109
8D +11 +25 33D +98 +112
9D +14 +28 34D +102 +116
10D +18 +32 35D +105 +119
11D +21 +35 36D +109 +123
12D +25 +39 37D +112 +126
13D +28 +42 38D +116 +130
14D +32 +46 39D +119 +133
15D +35 +49 40D +123 +137
16D +39 +53 41D +126 +140
17D +42 +56 42D +130 +144
18D +46 +60 43D +133 +147
19D +49 +63 44D +137 +151
20D +53 +67 45D +140 +154
21D +56 +70 46D +144 +158
22D +60 +74 47D +147 +161
23D +63 +77 48D +151 +165
24D +67 +81 49D +154 +168
25D +70 +84 50D +158 +172

A page number in italics re-
fers to a sidebar on that page.
Advantages, 11, 15, 16,
27–32
Authority (R1), 27
Authority (R2), 27
Authority (R3), 27
Contacts (R1), 28, 28
Contacts (R2), 28, 28
Contacts (R3), 28, 28
Contacts (R4), 28–29, 28
costs, 16
Cultures (R1), 29
Cultures (R2), 29
Cultures (R3), 29
Cultures (R4), 29
Equipment (R1), 29–30
Equipment (R2), 30
Equipment (R3), 30
Equipment (R4), 30
Fame (R1), 30
Fame (R2), 30–31
Fame (R3), 31
gaining and losing after
character creation,
45
Patron (R1), 28, 31
Patron (R2), 28, 31
Patron (R3), 28, 31
Size (R1 or more), 31
special equipment, 30
Trademark Specialization
(R1), 31
Wealth (R1 or more), 32
Wild Luck, 21
adventure tips, 121–127.
See also rewards
creating adventures,
121–122
gamemaster’s characters,
122–123. See also
generic character
examples
making monsters, 122,
127
running, 123–124
starting, 123
Armor Value, 8. See also
damage, Body
Points, damage
resistance total;
damage, Wound
levels, damage
resistance total;
equipment, armor
and shields
attributes, 10–11. See also
skills
Acumen, 10, 73, 73
Agility, 10
alternate attribute, 49
Charisma, 10, 72–73, 73
Coordination, 10
Extranormal, 10–11. See
also Magic; Miracles
improving, 44–45
Intellect, 10, 72, 72
Physique, 10
Body Points, 8, 13–14. See
also damage; healing
improving, 45
character creation, 9–14
Advantages,
Disadvantages, and
Special Abilities, 11
attributes, 10–11
Body Points, 13–14
by creation point pool, 10
by defined limits, 9–10
by templates, 9
character features and
other details and, 14
Character Points, 13
existing personae and, 10
equipment, 14
experienced characters
and, 10
Fate Point, 13
Funds, 14, 14
gamemaster’s characters
and, 14
height and weight, 14
Move, 13
skills, 11, 12–13
focused skills, 11
Strength Damage, 14
Wound levels, 13, 14
character options, 15–41.
See also Advantages;
Disadvantages;
Special Abilities
fantastic species and, 15
Character Points, 4,
8, 13, 48. See
also attributes,
improving; skills,
learning and
improving
as rewards, 125
character sheet (blank),
138–139
character templates
aspiring hero, 5
bard, 128
cleric, 129
gladiator, 130
healer, 131
merchant, 132
monster slayer, 133
ranger, 134
reading the template, 4–6
thief, 135
wanderer, 136
wizard, 137
combat, 60–62. See also
combat options
block, 60
determining damage,
61–62. See also
damage; Strength
Damage
bonus option, 62
difficulty, 60–61
active defense, 8,
60–61
defense modifier, 61
full defense, 60
partial defense, 61
passive defense, 8, 60
dodge, 60
example, 62
modifiers, 61, 61, 68,
69, 141
blind or blinded
Index • Page 143
attacker, 69
blind or blinded target,
69
cover, 61, 61, 141
crouching target
(moving), 70
crouching target
(stationary), 70
range, 8, 61, 61, 141
parry, 60
summary, 141
vehicle, 58, 60
combat options, 68–71
acrobatic tricks, 68
aiming, 61
all-out attack, 68, 69
breaking things, 69, 69
called shot, 69, 69
crouching, 70
disarm, 70
entangle, 70
escape, 70
fighting, 68–69, 69
grab, 68–69, 69
arm pin, 69
choke, 68
flip, 68–69
hold, 69
slam, 69
throw, 69
group attack, 70–71. See
also skills, command
hit location, 70, 70
knockdown, 68, 69
knockout, 70
lunge, 68, 69
melee combat, 68–69, 69
multiple weapons, 70
prone, 70
push, 68, 69
quick draw, 70–71
ready a weapon, 71
scale, 8, 71, 71
surprise, 71
sweep (close combat),
68, 69
tackle, 68, 69
trip, 68, 69
unwieldy weapon, 71, 141
using modifiers, 61, 68
damage, 61–62, 63–65
adjusting deadliness, 65
Body Points, 63
damage resistance
total, 8, 63
stun damage, 63
Wound levels chart,
64, 141
Body Points versus
Wound Levels, 63
descriptive damage,
64–65
gamemaster’s characters
and, 63
killing blow option, 65
massive damage option,
65
miscellaneous types, 63
falling, 63
toxins, 63
negative damage
resistance total, 65
unconsciousness and costs, 16 shovel, 114
death, 64 Cultural Unfamiliarity spikes, iron, 114
Wound levels, 63–64, (R1), 21–22 torch, 114
64, 141 Cultural Unfamiliarity gunpowder weapons, 118
damage resistance (R2), 22 arquebus, 117
total, 8, 64 Cultural Unfamiliarity black powder bomb,
stun damage, 64 (R3), 22 117
die rolling simplification Debt (R1), 22 wheellock musket, 117
options, 47, 142 Debt (R2), 22 wheellock pistol, 117
difficulties, 8, 52–54. See Debt (R3), 22 holy items, 115
also skills; using Devotion (R1), 22 improvised weapons, 118
skills Devotion (R2), 22 melee weapons, 118, 118
derived, 53 Devotion (R3), 22 missile weapons, 117,
determining success, Employed (R1), 22–23 117
54, 61 Employed (R2), 23 mystical artifacts, 115
describing, 54 Employed (R3), 23 amulet of protection,
result points, 8, 54 Enemy (R1), 23, 28 115
examples, 72–82. See Enemy (R1), 23, 28 enchanted dagger, 115
also combat; Magic; Enemy (R2), 23, 28 ring of power, 115
Miracles; movement Enemy (R3), 23–24, 28 object Toughness, 8, 69
gamemaster’s fiat, 54 gaining and losing after purchasing, 113–114
generic modifiers, 53, character creation, price difficulties, 113
54, 140 45 special weapons, 116
good roleplaying Hindrance (R1 or more), thrown weapons, 117,
modifier, 54 24 117
information, 72, 72, 140 Infamy (R1), 24 weapon terminology,
interaction, 72–73, 73, Infamy (R2), 24 116–117
140 Infamy (R3), 24 whips, 118
interrogation, 73 Language Problems
mental defenses, 73 (R2), 25 Fate Points, 4, 8, 13, 48–49
movement modifiers, 56 Learning Problems (R1 or as rewards, 125
observation, 73, 73, 140 more), 25 Funds, 14, 14, 125. See also
opposed, 8, 53 Poverty (R1), 25 equipment,
second chances, 54 Prejudice (R1), 25 purchasing
standard, 8, 52–53, 53, Prejudice (R2), 25 coins, 113–114
140 Price (R1), 25–26
unskilled, 8, 49, 54 Price (R2), 26 game-enhancing cards, 49
untrained. See difficulties, Quirk (R1), 26 gamemaster tips, 120
unskilled Quirk (R2), 27 generic character examples
Wild Die Only, 53 Quirk (R3), 27 animals, 126
Disadvantages, 11, 15, 16, Reduced Attribute (R2 or bird of prey , 126
16, 17–27 more), 27 cat, domestic, 126
Achilles’ Heel (R3), 17–18 Wild Luck, 21 cat, large, 126
allergy, 18 cobra, 126
cultural allergy, 18 equipment, 113–119. See Demon, 126–127
environmental also vehicles dog, domestic, 126
incompatibility, 18 adventuring gear costs, dog, guard, 126
metabolic difference, 114 Dragon, young, 127
18 armor and shields, 116 evil humanoid (Goblin,
nutritional combining, 115–116 Kobold, Orc), 127
requirements, 18 encumbrance option, Giant, 127
rot, 18 116 healer, 125
vulnerability, 18 maximum damage henchman, 125
Achilles’ Heel (R4), 18–19 resistance total horse, 126
allergy, 18 option, 116 merchant, 125
cultural allergy, 18 minimal armor option, monsters, 126–127
environmental 116 people, 125
incompatibility, 18 breaking things, 69 ranger, 125–126
rot, 18 fashion costs, 115 rats, 126
symbiosis, 19 food and drink costs, 115 ruffian, 126
Advantage Flaw (R1), 19 gear, 114, 114, 115 soldier, 126
Advantage Flaw (R2), 19 candle, 114 walking dead, 127
Advantage Flaw (R3), grappling hook, 114
19–20 hammer, 114 healing, 66–67, 141
infection, 19–20 healer’s pack, 114 Body Points, 66, 66
minor stigma, 20 lamp, 114 rest period, 67
stench, 20 lockpicking tools, 114 Wound levels, 66–67, 67
Age (R1), 20 makeup kit, 114
Age (R2), 20 marbles, 114 initiative, 49–50
Bad Luck (R1), 21 pick, mining, 114 optional bonus, 50
Bad Luck (R2), 21 rope, heavy (hemp), invocations
Bad Luck (R3), 21 114 circumstances of, 106,
Burn-out (R1 or more), 21 rope, light (silk), 114 106
 Index • Page 144
designing, 106, 106. See basis, 103–104, 103 rewards, 125 reading/writing, 12, Debt, 41 unreal effects, 93
also spells designing religions, character options, 125 74–75 Flaw, 41 variable duration, 93
aspect specifics, 106 103–104 Character Points, 125 forgery, 75 Minor Stigma, 41 variable effect, 93, 93
casting time, Religion Worksheet, equipment and other riding, 12, 80 Others Only, 41 variable movement, 94
106–107 104 loot, 125 running, 12, 55 Price, 41 scrivened spells, 99
charges, 107 learning and improving Fate Points, 125 scholar, 12, 72, 75 Restricted, 41 Spell Measures (table),
community, 107, skills, 105 Funds, 125 search, 13, 73, 80 Side Effect, 41 86, 87
107 obtaining access to, 104 information, 125 sleight of hand, 12, 80 Singularity, 41 Spell Worksheet, 96
components, 107 skills rolling dice, 4, 47–48. See speaking, 12, 74 Super-science, 41 targeting, 84–85
countenance, 107 divination, 13, 105 also die rolling sim- stamina, 12, 80–81 Limited Possession, using, 84–85
feedback, 107 favor, 13, 105 plification options stealth, 12, 74 37, 37 attack and protection
gestures, 107 strife, 13, 105 improving a roll, 4, 47–49 streetwise, 13, 81 Longevity, 35 spells, 88
incantations, 107 Move, 13. See also Character Points, 4, 48 survival, 13, 81–82 Master of Disguise, 36 Strength Damage, 8, 14
other conditions, movement; vehicle Fate Points, 4, 48–49 swimming, 12, 55 Multiple Abilities, 36 determining, 14, 62, 141
108 and aerial character Wild Die, 4, 47 throwing, 12, 82 Natural Armor, 36–37 improving, 44
variable movement, movement rounds, 8, 49 tracking, 13, 73, 82 Natural Hand-to-Hand system overview, 3–4
108 movement, 55–59. See also trading, 12, 72, 75 Weapon, 37 improving rolls, 4
design time, 108 Move; vehicle and scale, 8, 71, 71 traps, 12, 82 Natural Magick, 37 introductory adventure,
disallowed aspects, 106 aerial character skills, 11, 12–13. See also using. See using skills Natural Ranged Weapon, 4–7
Invocation Design movement Magic, skills; Special Abilities, 11, 15, 17, 37 performing actions, 3
Sheet, 112 accelerating and Miracles, skills 32–41 Omnivorous, 37 getting hurt, 4
minimum difficulty, decelerating, 56 acrobatics, 12, 68, 75 Accelerated Healing, 32 Paralyzing Touch, 37
108 fatigue, 56 Acumen-based, 73, 73 Ambidextrous, 32 Quick Study, 38 traps, 82, 82
required aspects, 106 flying rate, 56 animal handling, 13, 75 Animal Control, 32 Sense of Direction, 38
failure option, 106 maximum, 56 artist, 12, 75–76 Armor-Defeating Attack, Shapeshifting, 38 using skills, 49, 50–52. See
sample, 108–111 modifiers, 56, 140 bluff, 13, 72–73, 73 32 Silence, 38 also difficulties; skills
adjusting, 108 short distances, 56 charioteering, 12, 73. Atmospheric Tolerance, Skill Bonus, 38–39 action, 8
divination, 110 See also vehicle and 32 Skill Minimum, 39 actions that take time, 51
detect the living, 110 non-Human races, 42–43 aerial movement Attack Resistance, 32–33 Teleportation, 39 complementary skill, 8
foresight, 110 Dwarves, 42 Charisma-based, 72–73, Attribute Scramble, 33 Transmutation, 39 defaulting to an attribute,
favor, 108–109 Elves, 42–43 73 Blur, 33 Ultravision, 35 8. See also skills,
bless armor, 108 Gnomes, 43 charm, 13, 72–73, 73 Combat Sense, 33 Uncanny Aptitude, 39 unskilled
bless person, 108 Reptile Folk, 43 climbing, 12, 55, 76 Confusion, 33 Ventriloquism, 39 free actions, 8, 51
enhance food, command, 13, 76 costs, 16 Water Breathing, 39 group tasks, 52–54
108–109 precalculated spells, 97– contortion, 12, 76 Darkness, 33 Youthful Appearance, 40 multi-action penalty,
healing, 109 102. See also spells crafting, 12, 59, 76–77 Elasticity, 33 spells. See also Magic; 8, 51
multiply food, 109 alteration, 98 cultures, 12, 72 Endurance, 33 precalculated spells preparing, 52
ritual of purification, charm, 97 devices, 12, 72, 77 Enhanced Sense, 34 applying the effect, 85 related skills, 52
109 countermagic, 98 disguise, 13, 77 Enhancements, 17, 40 result points and, 85 rushing, 52
spiritual shield, 109 countermagic ward, 98 dodge, 12, 60 Additional Effect, 40 backlash option, 85 unskilled, 8, 49, 54
strife, 110–111 deadly dart, 98 example difficulties, Bestow, 40 basic aspects, 86 untrained. See skills,
banish, 110–111 fear, 98 72–82 Extended Range, 40 casting time, 89 unskilled
bless weapon, 111 heighten attribute, 97 fighting, 12. See also Magically Empowered, duration, 89, 89
curse, 111 water spray, 98–99 combat; combat 40 effect, 86–88, 87, 88 vehicles, 118–119, 119.
disrupt spell, 111 apportation, 99 modifiers Multiple Targets, 40 range, 88 See also vehicles
fighting tree, 111 alter movement, 99 flying, 12, 56 Environmental speed, 88–89 and aerial character
spiritual bolt, 111 carrying wind, 99–100 focused skills, 11 Resistance, 34 designing, 85–94 movement
undead warrior, 111 open lock, 97–98 gambling, 13, 77 Extra Body Part, 34 example, 95 weapons, 118–119
strain option, 106 relocate person, 100 healing, 12, 66, 67, 77–78 Extra Sense, 34 Negative Spell Total vehicle and aerial character
untrained, 105 cantrips, 97 hide, 13, 74 Fast Reactions, 34 Modifier, 85–86, 86 movement, 56–59.
using, 105–106 charm, 97 Intellect-based, 72, 72 Fear, 34 spell difficulty, 94 See also movement,
circumstances of, 106 heighten attribute, 97 intimidation, 13, 72–73, Flight, 34 Spell Total, 85, 86, 94 flying rate; vehicles
success levels, 105 open lock, 97–98 73 Full Possession, 37, 38 cantrips, 94 attacking, 58, 60
conjuration, 100 investigation, 13, 78–79 gaining and losing after characteristics, 84 dodging, 58, 60
Magic, 11, 83–95. See also cage, 100 jumping, 12, 55, 78 character creation, design time, 94–95 leaping out, 59
spells; precalculated communicate with know-how, 13, 78 45–46 effect die codes chart, 88 passenger injuries, 59, 59
spells animals, 100 learning and improving, Glider Wings, 34 optional aspects, 89–94 repairing, 59, 76–77
artifacts and legends, 85 displacement, 100 44 Good Luck, 35–36, 36 area effect, 90 sailing ships, 58
learning and improving evil eye curse, 100–101 lifting, 12, 78–79 Great Luck, 36, 36 change target, 90 stunts, 57–58, 57
skills, 83 feast, 101 lockpicking, 12, 79 Hardiness, 34 charges, 90 targeting the creatures,
obtaining access to, 83 glow stone, 101 marksmanship, 12. See Hypermovement, 34 wards, 90 58
skills mystical shield, also combat; combat Immortality, 3435 community, 90–91, 91 vehicle damage, 58–59,
alteration, 13, 83, 88 101–102 modifiers Immunity, 35 components, 91, 91 59
apportation, 13, 83–84, mystic bolt, 101 melee combat, 12. See Increased Attribute, 35 concentration, 91, 91 vehicle movement, 57
88 stunned senseless, 102 also combat; combat Infravision, 35 countenance, 92, 92
conjuration, 13, 84, 88 divination, 102 modifiers Intangibility, 35 feedback, 92 Wild Die, 4, 8, 47
divination, 13, 84, 88 detect the living, 102 mettle, 13, 79 Invisibility, 35 focused, 92 Critical Failure, 4, 8, 47
starting spells, 95 scrying, 102 navigation, 12, 79 Iron Will, 35 gesture, 92, 92 Critical Success, 4, 8, 47
untrained, 85 sense past, 102 persuasion, 13, 72–73, 79 Life Drain, 35 incantation, 92, 92 Wound levels, 8, 13, 14,
using other systems, 84 bribing, 79 Limitations, 17, 40–41 multiple targets, 92_93 64, 141. See also
mental defenses, 73 reference sheet, 140–141 pilotry, 12, 73. See also Ability Loss, 41 other alterants, 94, 94 damage; healing
Miracles, 11, 103–111. See result points, 8, 54, 54 vehicle and aerial Allergy, Minor, 41 other conditions, improving, 45
also invocations bonus, 8, 54 movement Burn-out, 41 94, 94
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a

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